In the state of Connecticut, you are considered legally intoxicated when your blood alcohol level reaches .08 or above. Although it seems drivers have been repeatedly warned about the serious, even deadly consequences of drunk driving , there are those that still choose to drink and drive.
One 25-year-old man that chose to drive with a blood alcohol level that was nearly twice the legal limit at .138 caused a severe accident that ended with the death of one of his passengers and injuries to himself and the other two passengers in the car.
The group was out celebrating one of their birthdays at a local bar. After they left the bar, they were traveling through a residential neighborhood at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control of the vehicle and evidently rolled it. Witnesses say they say a man get out of the car and hide something in a drainage ditch. Authorities later searched the ditch and found unopened beer cans.
The driver tried to blame the accident on faulty brakes, but when a mechanic inspected the car, he found no evidence of this. Further investigation at the scene revealed that there was no sign that the driver applied the brakes.
The driver faces numerous charges including second degree manslaughter with a motor vehicle, driving under the influence and reckless driving.
Because the driver in this case owed his passengers a duty of reasonable care, the injured passengers and family of the deceased passenger may be able to seek compensation for their medical bills and pain and suffering. Because the laws that determine if a successful claim can be made can be complicated, it may be a good idea for these people to seek out the help of a lawyer.
Source: Guilford Patch, “Guilford Man Arraigned for Fatal Car Crash,” Lauren Lanzon, April 25, 2013
