Excessive speed and alcohol can be a fatal combination for anyone who combines the two when driving a motor vehicle. Either of these factors can increase the difficulty of controlling a car or truck, especially when the driving conditions change suddenly. A recent accident in northwest Houston provides tragic evidence to support these conclusion.
The accident
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Department, a Honda Accord was traveling westbound on FM 529 (Spencer Road). At the same time, a Ford F-150 pickup truck was turning into a gas station. As the truck was turning, the Accord smashed into the truck.
Police believe that the Honda was carrying three people in addition to the driver. All three passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Honda was hospitalized in serious condition. The driver of the pickup and his passenger were both thrown from the vehicle. The driver of the truck is believed to be in critical condition.
In their post-accident investigation, police determined that the driver of the Honda was traveling at a high rate of speed and was intoxicated. He has been charged with three counts of intoxication manslaughter. The driver of the pickup truck has been charged with one count of intoxication assault. Police said that a fourth count of intoxication manslaughter may be added if the truck driver dies.
Claims for damages
Early news reports of the accidents did not contain any information about whether or how the occupants of the Honda may have been related to one another. The driver of the pickup and his passenger are presumably not related to the occupants of the Honda. The families of the three passengers in the Honda may have very persuasive wrongful death claims against the Honda’s driver. The passenger in the truck may also have a solid claim for damages resulting from the injuries he suffered.
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one under similar circumstances may wish to pursue a claim for damages. A consultation with an experienced accident attorney is a useful way to begin the claims process. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can provide a helpful evaluation of the evidence and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. A capable attorney can also assist in negotiating these claims with the insurers that covered the two drivers.