Prior to heading out to celebrate the holiday season by having drinks with family and friends, many individuals may consider it vital to secure a ride home at the end of the night. Unfortunately, others might not make such sound decisions, and getting behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of alcohol can be dangerous. A man has been accused of drunk driving in a recent car accident that killed one person and injured several others in Washington.
Law enforcement agents say the accident occurred when the driver of a westbound van lost control and struck a car that was waiting in a nearby turn lane. The force of the impact pushed the car into the opposite lane, and it was struck by an oncoming truck shortly thereafter. As many as four occupants in the truck suffered injuries and were rushed to a medical facility for treatment, while the driver of the car died at the scene of the crash.
Police have advised that an investigation was initiated and state that the driver who caused the crash was arrested on suspicion of impairment. In addition to drunk driving charges, he also faces charges for vehicular homicide. Families who lose a loved one due to such negligence may wish to exercise their right to pursue restitution, but they might be uncertain of the next steps to take.
Upon losing a loved one in a car accident involving a drunk driver, surviving family members may find it helpful to seek guidance on their available options for legal recourse. By consulting with a personal injury attorney, a person in Washington could obtain much needed advice on how best to proceed. An attorney can evaluate the accident and assist a client in pursuing the full amount of restitution entitled through a wrongful death claim against the party or parties deemed responsible.