A drunk driving charge is serious. When connected to another crime such as vehicular homicide, negligent homicide, hit and run or another other serious motor vehicle offense, the stakes are even higher. Therefore, it is critical that someone charged with any type of drunk driving crime present a solid defense.
Last Friday, Louisiana State Police Troop D responded to a two-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 165 approximately a mile and a half south of Kinder. According to news reports, a 1999 Toyota Avalon was driving north when it allegedly struck the back of a 1996 Dodge Ram pickup truck.
The force of the impact apparently caused the truck to drive off the roadway, roll over and hit a tree. The man driving the truck, as well as a woman and young child who were also in the vehicle, all suffered fatal injuries in the collision.
There were two men in the Toyota. According to news sources, they do not agree about who was operating the vehicle at the time of the accident. They both apparently claim the other was behind the wheel. Authorities suspect that whoever was driving the Toyota had been drinking and speeding, which contributed to the collision. They have taken toxicology samples from both men.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in a significant number of fatal car accidents in Louisiana. Statistics show that in 2009, 49 percent of deadly collisions in the state involved an impaired motorist. However, just because alcohol plays a part in a large amount of accidents does not mean that every driver who causes a collision is drunk.
Anyone charged with drunk driving in connection with a traffic accident should consult with a defense attorney immediately. A lawyer will look at all aspects of a case, building a defense based on the evidence.
Source: KFDM, “Crash kills couple, young son,” Scott Lawrence, 2 April 2011