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Most people understand that drunk driving is a serious social problem in the United States. Police warnings are on billboards, the radio, and television. Organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving are ever-present at fundraisers and awareness campaigns, yet many still do not have a realistic understanding of how destructive impaired driving DUI is.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one of every three car-accident deaths is related to alcohol. In 2010, that meant 10,288 people died in drunk-driving wrecks.
If you’ve suffered an injury during an accident with a drunk driver in Boston, let us help you. At Colucci, Colucci & Marcus, P.C., we specialize in personal injury law, and we are committed to finding creative solutions that can help our clients find compensation. Whether your accident was caused by impairment, distraction, or recklessness, we’ll stand by you. To arrange a consultation with a personal injury attorney from our firm, please call 617-917-3917.
Last year, Dervin Hibbert attempted to park along the side of the road. Police say that he pressed the gas pedal too hard while reversing and lost control of the vehicle.
His car sped up as it entered a sidewalk and struck a pedestrian. The victim, Walter Harris, was dragged several feet as Hibbert continued to attempt to regain control of the vehicle. He was moving so quickly that he knocked over a fire hydrant.
When he realized what had happened, Hibbert attempted to flee, but witnesses stopped him and called for help. The Boston Globe reports that police tested Hibbert’s blood and measured his blood alcohol content (BAC) at .14 percent. They charged him with manslaughter and driving under the influence. This week, Hibbert pleaded not guilty to each charge.
Drunk-driving accidents and arrests are in the news often, but it’s rare to read about the trial and what sort of penalties are involved. WCVB News reports that Patricia Neville-Colp recently received a sentence for her role in a fatal car accident. Police say that Neville-Colp was trying to merge onto the highway when she collided with another vehicle.
That car rolled several times. The driver, Maureen Ellis, suffered major head trauma and died at the scene. Later, police determined that Neville-Colp’s BAC was .13 percent. They also found marijuana in the car.
She was found guilty of several criminal charges including homicide. A judge decided that she will serve one year in prison and five years on probation. To the families of drunk-driving victims, this doesn’t always seem to be justice.
Fortunately, victims or their families are permitted to file personal injury lawsuits to recover compensation from negligent drivers. If you are interested in filing a claim, why not get an expert’s opinion first? To schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney from our firm, please call 617-917-3917.
