West Virginia residents are probably used to hearing about holiday impaired driving checkpoints over the summer months. Such reminders are sadly necessary as too many drivers continue to make the risky choice to operate vehicles after they have been drinking or have used other substances that may impair their abilities. One 23-year-old driver is today accused of doing just that.
Reports indicate that the man was driving his vehicle and collided with a semi truck. The driver then lost control of his vehicle, leading to a more serious collision. In all, a total of 16 vehicles were ultimately involved. Two of the vehicles included in the accident were semi trucks. The crash sent 14 people to the hospital. One of those victims died as a result of the wreck. One more remained in the hospital at the time of the last report. The remaining 12 people had been released after receiving treatment.
The driver who is said to have caused the fatal wreck now faces at least two criminal charges, including driving while under the influence that caused a death. A controlled substance is believed to have been the cause of the impairment as DUI with a controlled substance is the other charge.
Victims of crashes like this may want to talk with an attorney to learn how they may be able to seek compensation after such a senseless tragedy. Compensation does not undo damage but is one way of helping people move forward.
Source: WDBJ.com, “West Virginia man charged in I-81 wreck that killed one, injured at least a dozen,” June 17, 2016
