Impaired Chicago driver pleads guilty in fatal crash

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Drunk Driving Accidents

When it comes to negligent drivers and driving under the influence, frequently the focus is on drunk drivers and drunk driving accidents. But driving under the influence does not necessarily have to entail over-consumption of alcohol. Driving under the influence of drugs is also illegal and drivers who act accordingly may be legally liable for any damages that result from their behavior.

A truck driver from Chicago was recently sentenced to prison time after he killed a woman in a car accident while under the influence of marijuana. The 37-year- old man was handed a four-year prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to the count of aggravated driving under the influence of drugs.

The accident occurred in August of 2009. The victim was stopped due to traffic on Interstate 90 and Illinois Highway 53. As she was stopped, the semi-truck driver crashed into the back of her car and left her a quadriplegic. The woman sadly passed away just over a year later.

Following the accident, the truck driver tested positive for cannabis at the hospital. Prosecutors upped the criminal charges against the man after the woman&s death. The driver contends that he was not under the influence and never meant to hurt anyone.

These words provide little solace for the family and friends of victims of drunk driving or impaired accidents like this. No amount of money can ease the pain either but financial assistance may help families of victims pay for medical bills or at least feel a sense of justice. A personal injury attorney or wrongful death attorney can assist victims and their families in order to recover the requisite damages from a negligence driver.

Source: Chicago Tribune, "Truck driver gets 4 years in fatal 2009 crash," George Houde, Dec. 18, 2013