Friends seek charges after DUI-related crash in Connecticut

In many cases, it is only human nature to want justice after a perceived wrong to one’s self or friends and family members. However, in the case of a DUI-related crash, justice, in the form of criminal charges, may be a long time in coming as authorities carefully conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident. The friends and family of a deceased Connecticut woman have recently expressed their concern that additional criminal charges have yet to be filed against the man they feel caused her death.

The accident occurred nearly four months ago. The woman was crossing the street at an intersection with her son. When the son made it across the street, he turned and realized his mother was no longer with him. Reports claim that she was struck and thrown almost 30 feet by a 47-year-old pizza deliverer. It is believed that she died instantly.

Police determined that the driver who allegedly struck her had a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit. At this time, he has only been charged with driving while intoxicated. The woman’s family and friends would like to see additional charges filed, such as vehicular manslaughter, but police say they will not make any decisions about additional charges until the ongoing investigation has been completed.

Even without additional criminal charges, the surviving family members have the same option chosen by many people who have been a victim of a DUI-related crash — a civil suit in a Connecticut court. Civil courts require a lower burden of proof than a criminal court. If the woman’s family members can prove that the driver’s negligence caused or played a significant role in the accident, they could receive a monetary award to help them with the financial repercussions of the tragedy.

Source: The Hartford Courant, Family Awaits More Charges, Mourns Wethersfield Woman’s Death, Christopher Hoffman, Nov. 8, 2013