A Texas truck driver is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly causing a wreck when he got behind the wheel while intoxicated. The 42-year-old driver is accused of intoxication manslaughter in connection with the fatal drunk driving accident, which occurred in southwest Houston on April 6. The driver is accused of smashing into another vehicle, killing a local father.
The semi-truck driver was reportedly drunk when he smashed into the victim in southwest Houston on Beechnut. That decedent was less than a half-mile away from his house when he was struck by the negligent truck driver. Even though the victim proceeded through a green light, the drunk driver of the semi-truck ran a red light, smashing into the smaller Tahoe SUV. Witnesses confirmed that the victim had the right-of-way when he was struck.
Family members of the victim — who had four children — have told news outlets that they do not understand why people are still getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. That is particularly true for drivers of larger vehicles, which have the potential to do far more harm in the event of a collision. The man’s relatives say they are still trying to reconcile the fact that their beloved family member will not be coming home.
Family members should not have to suffer through the death of a loved one at the hands of an intoxicated driver — much less because of a drunk semi-truck operator. Commercial haulers have a responsibility to protect the general public. Victims who have suffered the loss of a loved one because of a drunk driving accident may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit. A Texas attorney may be able to provide additional legal advice for those who have endured such a tragedy.
Source: Click 2 Houston, “Truck driver charged in deadly crash in southwest Houston” Mary Cuervo, Apr. 07, 2014