The Pennsylvania courts recently determined that a man accused of killing a fire chief while driving under the influence on April 27 will stand trial. The 32-year-old man faces charges for third-degree murder and vehicular homicide in addition to drunk driving. According to law enforcement personnel, the driver's blood-alcohol-content level registered .118 percent, above the maximum legal limit of .08 percent in the state. The courts also admitted evidence that the accused man has been previously convicted of two DUIs.
The fire chief was directing traffic near the interstate exit after an accident when he was killed. The driver allegedly hit him when he pulled around his emergency fire truck despite witness statements that emergency lights were flashing. The driver supposedly failed to stop after the accident.
When someone is arrested for drinking and driving, he or she could face serious consequences if they are convicted, some of which are mandatory and not left up to a judge's discretion. Even if they are charged criminally, they could face civil sanctions as well. The family who has lost a loved one could want to hold the accused person responsible for their death.
A personal injury attorney might be able to help family members submit a civil lawsuit in order to hold the involved parties accountable for the loss of their loved one. Although the attorney might try to negotiate a settlement, they may not be successful. In some cases, the attorney might need to fight for fair and just compensation at a trial instead.
Source: York Daily Record, 'Loganville Volunteer Fire Chief Rodney Miller remembered," Brandie Kessler, April 28, 2013
Source: wkbn.com, "Man To Be Tried For Crash That Killed Pa.Chief", May 24, 2013
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