Drivers in Virginia need to be on alert for other vehicles on the road. No matter how cautious and safe a particular driver is, there’s always a risk that there will be a car collision. Some of these car accidents happen because of the weather, due to a fault in the vehicle, because of being in the wrong place at the wrong time or as a result of a drunk driver. There can be serious consequences for an accident and it’s important that those who were affected know what to do after it happens.
Recently, a three-vehicle accident in Virginia injured six people. As a result of the accident investigation, the driver of one of the vehicles is facing charges for being a drunk driver. The 23-year-old man who is believed to have been drunk was driving west when his vehicle crossed into the lanes heading east. He hit a gray Mercedes. After the first crash, a Mazda crashed into both vehicles. The alleged drunk driver’s passenger, a 30-year-old man, had to be cut out of the car and is in stable condition. The 45-year-old driver of the Mercedes, his 38-year-old female passenger and a 15-month-old girl were all taken to the hospital and released. The 56-year-old driver of the Mazda was also taken to the hospital and released.
When there is a car collision for any reason, there are numerous consequences that must be considered after the initial shock of the injuries. There will be medical costs, the possibility of rehabilitation and missed wages due to being unable to work. In a worst case scenario short of fatality, the injured person might need to be cared for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. That can put a major strain on the family’s finances and personal lives. Insurers’ main goal is to keep their costs in line. With that in mind, they might make a settlement offer early in the process to preclude a legal filing. That offer might sound sufficient, but when all costs are calculated, it’s rarely enough.
In this apparent drunk driving accident, two people – including the alleged drunk driver – were seriously injured. The others who were hurt were released from the hospital, but often injuries don’t present themselves until long after the accident has happened. For everyone involved, it’s important that they protect their interests by discussing the matter with an attorney experienced in handling car crash cases.
Source: NewsAdvance.com, “UPDATE: One critical, one stable after Lynchburg crash; driver faces DUI charge,” Ashlie Walter, Dec. 20, 2014