Drinking and driving is a known hazard. Unfortunately, people frequently continue to engage in such behavior which can easily lead to dangerous accidents that could result in serious injury or death. For example, police believe that a recent collision in North Carolina involving at least four different vehicles and sending at least one person to the hospital was a result of driving under the influence.
The accident occurred at night in early November. Reports indicate that one man backed into a parked car when attempting to exit a parking lot. He continued out of the parking lot, sideswiping another vehicle as he did so. The impact sent the third vehicle into a spin where it is believed to have hit a curb before striking and rolling over a fourth vehicle.
The driver of one of the struck vehicles was transported to an area hospital for treatment. That person’s current condition is unknown. The driver of the vehicle that police believe to be at fault allegedly did not stop at the scene of the accident — police claim he continued driving until pulled over. He has been charged with reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, and driving without a license. Police indicate additional charges related to hit-and-run may be added in the future.
Although some accidents are simply unavoidable, one has to question if accidents involving an allegedly intoxicated driver could easily be prevented. A North Carolina criminal court will determine the man’s guilt or innocence as a result of his involvement in the collision. However, the injured motorist also has the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court. If the injured party can prove that the accident was caused by the accused driver’s negligence, he could receive a monetary award to help with related expenses.
Source: wwaytv3.com, Police: Man arrested in BMW lot after causing car to flip over another, Allyson Lorick, Nov. 6, 2013