We recently wrote a blog post about how the consequences of DWI can be life changing. That holds true for all involved in drunk driving accidents, especially when those accidents prove to be fatal.
A 26-year-old Texas Tech student was recently indicted on charges of intoxication manslaughter and aggravated assault for his role in a fatal car accident that occurred in January. The accident killed two passengers in his truck as well as bicyclist on the road.
On the night of January 29, the 26 year old was driving his pickup truck on a road near the Texas Tech campus. According to eyewitnesses, the pickup truck was traveling at a high rate of speed when the driver appeared to lose control of the truck. The truck jumped a curb and rolled over.
A 68-year-old man who worked at a nearby hotel was riding his bicycle home after work. As the truck flipped over onto the sidewalk, it struck and killed the bicyclist instantly. The high speed of the truck caused it to continue sliding down the sidewalk on its side until it hit a fire hydrant. According law enforcement authorities, the hydrant went through the windshield of the truck, hitting and killing the 23-year-old passenger in the front seat. The hydrant continued into the backseat of the truck, striking and killing a second passenger.
Both passengers and the bicyclist died at the scene. The driver of the truck was transported to the hospital. While in the ambulance the 26-year-old driver admitting to the paramedics that he had been drinking.
He remained hospitalized for several days. As a result of the fatal drunk driving accident, he is not only facing four criminal charges, but could have a civil wrongful death lawsuit filed against him as well.
Source: KCBD.com, “Tech student indicted for Intoxication Manslaughter,” 2/7/12.