People often do things when drinking or taking drugs they would never do sober. Most people know that the diminished judgment, inhibitions and ability to concentrate make driving in this condition an incredibly dangerous prospect. Sadly, Minnesota’s roads continue to be plagued by impaired driving.
One of the latest incidents occurred on Interstate 35 on a recent Friday. Preliminary reports indicate that a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on the northbound side of the interstate slammed into the back of a second vehicle. The impact caused the first vehicle to roll off the roadway.
The driver of the first vehicle fled the scene, but police later located the vehicle believed involved in this accident. The vehicle driver did not suffer any injuries, but the 63-year-old driver of the second vehicle was not so lucky. He died as a result of the injuries he suffered in the impact. The driver of the first vehicle now faces charges of driving under the influence, possession of over 1.4 grams of marijuana in a motor vehicle and driving with a revoked license.
While officials determine whether the driver was, in fact, impaired at the time of the incident, the family of the victim may exercise its right under Minnesota law to file a wrongful death claim against the other driver. If the evidence establishes negligence on the part of that driver, the court may award the family damages that could help with the inevitable financial losses that occur in an accident involving impaired driving. In gathering the evidence needed, the family could offer any evidence related to the crash used by prosecutors in the criminal case, along with any conviction secured related to the death of their loved one.