Most everyone in Pennsylvania knows that drunk driving is dangerous. Getting behind the wheel of a car after drinking puts the lives of everyone on the road at risk. Drunk driving accidents are quite possibly the most avoidable car accident, yet people still choose to drive after drinking.

One Pennsylvania man allegedly chose to drink and drive, and authorities say he caused an accident that cost a woman her life. His blood alcohol level was reported to be .20 percent following the fatal collision. According to the Bristol Township Police, the man failed to stop at a red light shortly after 10 p.m. one night, causing his car to careen into the back of a Kia Optima that was sitting at the red light. The 45-year-old driver of the Kia was killed as a result of injuries she sustained in the accident.

After hitting the Kia, the man’s Ford still had enough momentum to continue through the intersection. It then slammed into a traffic pole, a parked car, and a utility pole. The man was taken to an area hospital and treated for his injuries. The police investigation noted that there was no evidence that the Ford even attempted to stop before hitting the Kia.

If the initial police reports prove true, then one man’s bad decision has changed an entire family. Not only have they lost a loved one, but they also have to learn to live without her. At some point, the family may assess whether to file a wrongful death claim against the Pennsylvania man regarding the fatal car accident. If the criminal charges against him result in a conviction, evidence of that conviction may be offered in a related civil proceeding to prove negligence. None of this will return their loved one, but a successful result may help defray some of the financial impact of her death.

Source: phillyburbs.com, “Falls man facing DUI-related homicide charges in December accident,” Jo Ciavaglia, Sep. 18, 2012