A drunk driving accident can occur anytime a person is impaired and gets behind the wheel of a car. All drivers assume a reasonable duty of care for other people sharing the road. Making poor decisions and deciding to drive after the consumption of alcohol can result in severe consequences. A recent news story highlights the dangers of deciding to drive under impairment. An alleged North Carolina drunk driver caused two separate accidents on March 8, one which resulted in injuries.
Both accidents occurred at the Holmes Convocation Center near Appalachian State’s campus. After causing the first accident, the man drove away. After causing the second accident, the man apparently stayed at the scene. A woman in the second accident sustained injuries as a result and was transported to Watauga Medical Center. Her condition remains unknown, and the man is now facing several criminal charges including driving while impaired and felony hit and run.
While criminal charges can provide some sense of justice for the victims of the crash, it does little to help with the damage caused. One woman was been injured, and she will likely incur medical bills as a result of the car accident. It’s possible that she could be out of work during her recovery, possibly resulting in lost wages. In such circumstances, victims of a car accident may be entitled to file a civil lawsuit to collect financial compensation for the damages sustained in a crash.
Drunk driving poses a serious threat to both drivers and pedestrians on North Carolina roads. Knowing the damage drunk driving can cause, hopefully drivers across the state will think twice before getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Source: WCNC, “Man accused of DWI after causing 2 accidents,” March 9, 2012