As previous postings in this blog have discussed, the decision to drive after consuming too much alcohol can have treacherous consequences. It could result in drunk driving charges for the driver or worse could result in a car accident. If an allegedly intoxicated driver is involved in a car accident, they could face even more severe charges than DWI, including vehicular assault or vehicular homicide. An accident that recently occurred in New York is a good example.

According to accident reports, the collision occurred shortly after 4:00 in the morning. The crash involved two vehicles, and, according to authorities, the drivers of both cars were intoxicated. A Nissan Altima was traveling east when it attempted a left turn. As the vehicle turned left, it was struck by a Chevy Camaro that was traveling west.

The collision tore off the back-end of the Altima, where a 32-year-old woman was riding in the backseat. Unfortunately, the 32-year-old woman suffered head trauma and died as a result of the accident. At this time, it is unclear if the head trauma was caused by being shaken around in the backseat or being thrown from the vehicle. The drivers of both vehicles, both 32-year-old males, were charged with drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter.

A fatal drunk driving accident is always a serious situation. It obviously has a jarring impact on the life of the loved ones who have lost a family member, but it can also have a negative impact on the life of the driver that is accused of causing the accident. They could face negative consequences that will forever change their life. It can often be helpful to enlist an experienced DUI defense attorney to ensure these impacts are minimized as much as possible.

Source: The New York Daily News, “Drunken crash kills woman on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn,” Dale Eisinger & Joseph Stepansky, Aug. 18, 2014