Hackettstown man and dog die in drunk driving accident

The tragic consequences of drinking and driving were visited hard on the family of a Hackettstown man recently by an alleged drunk driver. A 49-year-old man and his dog were killed in an early morning crash on Interstate 80. Initial reports indicate that the fatal auto accident was alcohol related

Authorities state that the driver of the second vehicle, an East Stroudsburg resident, drifted into the other lane and struck the victim’s pickup truck.

The victim lost control of his vehicle, which rolled over and slid down an exit ramp. The vehicle overturned and came to rest on its roof. The victim died immediately.

The dog that died in the crash, a German shepherd, was being transported in a crate. Although the dog managed to get free from the crate, it was killed about 100 feet away on the same highway.

The other vehicle involved stopped on the median located between the east and west sections of the highway. There was no report whether the driver responsible for the crash sustained any injuries.

The defendant now faces several serious charges, including charges of homicide by vehicle while driving drunk, homicide by vehicle, drunk driving, and other additional charges, according to the police. The accused was transported to Monroe County Prison instead of posting $200,000 bail.

The pain involved with losing a loved one suddenly is inconceivable. Surviving family members are left trying to pick up the pieces when a loved one is senselessly taken from them at the hands of a drunk driver.

A wrongful death lawsuit can often be pursued to offset the financial devastation that follows a fatal car accident. Many times compensation can be recovered to help cover funeral and/or any necessary final medical expenses. In addition to these costs, families are also sometimes able to recover the deceased family member’s lost wages and contribution to the household finances.

Source: lehighvalleylive.com, “Hackettstown man and a dog are killed in Interstate 80 crash,” Tony Rhodin, March 20, 2012