A majority of automobile accidents in the United States are caused by some form of driver error or negligence. Negligent driving can often have tragic results, especially when a driver consumes alcohol before getting behind the wheel. All too often, innocent drivers or passengers are seriously injured or killed due to another driver’s decision to drink and drive.
Two women are in the hospital after a recent Kansas City accident left them both in serious condition. The car accident occurred on the evening of June 7, when the driver of a white truck went the wrong way on the Heart of America Bridge heading northbound in the southbound lane. She struck another vehicle that was unable to avoid the wayward vehicle. The 24-year-old driver of the white truck is under investigation for drunk driving as she went into surgery for her life-threatening injuries. Charges have yet to be filed in the case.
Intoxicated drivers who cause a car accident will likely have to prepare for a double whammy. The punishment for drunk driving carries with it anything from fines and probation to jail time. In addition to any criminal punishment, the victims of the drunk driver’s actions may open a civil case against the driver. Those injured by the driver can seek compensation for not only their medical expenses and lost wages, but may also seek damages for their pain and suffering.
Traveling along the U.S. roadways comes with an inherit degree of risk and danger, however, it is expected that all drivers on the roadway operate vehicles with care. When victims are injured by drivers that are distracted or intoxicated, they deserve to be compensated for the damages.
Source: KCTV, “Two injured in wrong-way crash on Heart of America Bridge,” Chris Oberholtz June 8, 2014