Fatal auto accident caused by DUI kills man in Pennsylvania

For some individuals, a couple of drinks is a perfect way to end a rough week or to enjoy a time of bonding with friends or colleagues in Pennsylvania. For others, it makes for a perfect storm, as some people choose to drive while intoxicated — a decision with potentially fatal consequences. Because alcohol distorts a person’s ability to focus and slows down his or her reaction time, a drunk driver can easily cause a serious injury auto accident or deadly collision.

A former Pennsylvania State Trooper was sentenced after causing a vehicle crash due to driving while under the influence of alcohol. At the time of the DUI accident, the trooper was not on duty. He had participated in a charity golf outing and had been drinking.

He ended up driving and crashing into a car that was disabled. The 21-year-old inside the car died as a result of a fiery collision that resulted. The former police officer now faces a prison term of up to 23 months.

In addition to facing months in prison, the former law enforcement officer convicted of drinking while drunk may face other legal challenges in the form of a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the surviving family members of the deceased motorist. Proof of the conviction may be offered in a related civil court proceeding to try to prove financial liability for the death caused by the auto accident. If liability is established in a manner that satisfies a Pennsylvania court, financial damage claims be decided.

This blog entry was posted on behalf of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the firm or its attorneys. The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.

Source: The Republic, Ex-Pa. trooper gets 6-23 months in fatal DUI crash after charity golf event; victim was 21, No author, March 4, 2014