We cannot reiterate enough the danger and risk associated with driving under the influence. By choosing to get behind the wheel intoxicated, a driver is not only putting his life in danger, but the lives of his passengers, other pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. The consequences of drinking and driving extend far beyond that of sky-high fines and never-ending court dates. Hopefully the story below will be a lesson to anyone considering driving while intoxicated. It goes to show that sometimes the worst case scenario can turn into reality at a moment’s notice.
Just this past Sunday, a fourteen-year old highschool cheerleader was traveling with some friends and parents when the vehicle she traveled in was suddenly and unexpectedly obliterated in the middle of an intersection. The Irvine High School freshman was immediately taken to the emergency room where she remained in a coma until Tuesday. Awaiting organ transplantation procedures, she was finally taken off life support on Tuesday and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Friends of the victim gathered to mourn her passing and wore white to signify their deep sadness for the loss.
The driver of the other vehicle had a blood-alcohol content of .20 at the time of the crash. Police report he was incoherent and incapable of standing at the time of questioning. On the fateful night, the motorist spent the night drinking with friends and took a taxi cab back to his truck. From there, he proceeded to get behind the wheel and continued to drive down Irvine Boulevard where he made an illegal left-hand turn from a red light. It was then that the two cars, and lives, collided.
The driver now faces murder charges, driving under the influence of alcohol causing great bodily injury and has been issued a sentencing enhancement for causing great bodily injury to the victim. He is being held in lieu of his $1 million bail.
What starts for many as a simple joyride or quick trip up the road can turn to tragedy in the blink of an eye. Lives can be changed forever from the consequences of driving under the influence. Victims’ families are never the same. The driver, although likely not intending to injure or kill anyone, must live with the consequences of his actions for the rest of his life. The driver in this case is facing a possibility of a life sentence.
We at Ledger Law and Associates urge everyone reading today to always stop and think of the realities of drinking and driving. People lose their lives every day from these types of irresponsible actions. Not to mention, many DUI defendants also face the possibility of an unpleasant civil lawsuit for damages caused both physically and emotionally to the victim.
If you were recently injured in an automobile accident, contact us today for a free consultation: (800)-300-0001.
