Alcohol and Speed a Deadly Combination in San Marcos Car Wreck
In Bexar County, a man was recently arrested for causing an accident involving six vehicles, resulting in one death and several serious injuries. At the time of the accident, the man was driving 40 miles per hour above the posted speed limit and had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.24, which is three times the legal limit. This tragic case is yet another example of how dangerous both speeding and drunk driving can be for everyone who uses Texas roadways.
The Effects of Speeding and Drunk Driving in Texas
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 3,610 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2019. Of that number, nearly 25 percent died in an accident involving alcohol, and nearly 20 percent died in an accident involving speeding. This is not to mention the thousands who were seriously injured.
In Texas, intoxication manslaughter, defined as causing the death of another person while operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, is a second-degree felony that can result in a sentence of imprisonment for up to 20 years, a suspended driver’s license, and up to $10,000 in fines. However, this money is paid to the state and does little to directly help victims and their families.
Pursuing Compensation For a Fatal Accident
If you have been injured by a drunk or speeding driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, property damage, lost income, and pain and suffering. Families of victims who have been killed in an accident can rest assured that this same compensation is likely available to them if they pursue a wrongful death lawsuit.
When you hire an attorney for your personal injury or wrongful death case, we can help you build a strong argument for full compensation. Gathering evidence of the other driver’s negligence is crucial, and in a case where the driver has been arrested or criminally convicted, we can work with law enforcement to obtain police reports and court records to support your claim. We may even be able to help you obtain punitive damages in a case involving extreme criminal recklessness.
Contact a New Braunfels Car Accident Lawyer
At The Bettersworth Law Firm, we believe that it is important for a drunk driver who has injured or killed another person to face both criminal and civil consequences. When you or a loved one has been harmed, we are committed to helping you pursue full compensation. Contact a New Braunfels, TX personal injury attorney today at 830-443-9193 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
https://www.ksat.com/news/local/2020/10/01/man-charged-with-intoxication-manslaughter-after-6-vehicle-crash-in-san-marcos-killed-san-antonio-driver/
https://www.txdot.gov/government/enforcement/annual-summary.html
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.49.htm
