A teenage girl in Indiana was arrested after she crashed her vehicle into a home, killing two girls. According to a news report, the driver was charged with criminal recklessness resulting in death. Police officials said the teen who crashed the car may have been under the influence of opioids and could face more serious charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death and operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing serious bodily injury, if the presence of opioids in her system is confirmed. Today, the roads are more dangerous than ever, riddled with distracted and intoxicated drivers. As such, we need to be on high alert at all times when driving. Unfortunately, accidents do happen and in the event that you are injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact an experienced Middletown, RI car accident lawyer.
How Did The Accident Happen?
The crash occurred when the vehicle veered out of control and crashed into the home’s living room. Family members said two sisters, ages 17 and 9, were watching TV in the living room when the car crashed through the wall. Both girls were killed on impact. Their mother was walking into the room as the car came through the home. She also suffered unknown injuries. Her son, who was upstairs, remained uninjured. Three other juveniles who were in the car at the time of crash suffered non-lethal injuries as well. Prosecutors will determine if the 17-year-old driver in this case will face criminal charges as an adult.
While this is an absolutely tragic story, it offers us a chance to raise awareness about the opioid epidemic that is going on in our country right now. It is terrible to see so many lives taken before their time. As you can see, intoxicated driving can not only hurt you and your friends, but it can kill innocent bystanders who were doing nothing except watching TV on the couch.
How Often Do People Drive On Drugs?
According to the 2014 National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 10 million people ages 12 or older admitted driving under the influence of “illicit drugs,” a category that includes marijuana, heroin, cocaine and misuse of prescription medications. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported in 2016 that the percentage of drivers who tested positive for drugs in a 2014 survey was 20 percent.
The agency also cited a 2011 study, which concluded that the prevalence of driving high, is quite similar to drunk driving among college students. Also, a NHTSA report titled “Dangers of Drugged Driving” showed a steep 9.3 percent increase in traffic deaths for the first nine months of 2015. The biggest jumps in drugged driving deaths were in Rust Belt states such as Ohio, Michigan and Indiana where local officials are grappling with drug overdoses.
Call Our Firm Today!
Driving under the influence has serious consequences. It is illegal under the law to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/drugs. In addition to facing criminal penalties, impaired drivers can be held financially liable for the injuries, damages and losses they cause. Injured victims of DUI crashes can seek compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization, rehabilitation and pain and suffering. The experienced personal injury lawyers, here at d’Oliveira & Associates, help injured car accident victims seek and obtain maximum compensation for their losses regularly. Let us focus on your case, while you focus on your recovery. Call us at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
Source:
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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