Accidents can happen, but repeated and egregious acts of negligence should be dealt with aggressively by the criminal justice system to prevent future accidents and injury. In a recent Massachusetts case, a man whose license was permanently revoked was arrested for drunk driving for the 6th time. He is currently being held without bail and is awaiting charges in the Hingham District Court.
In this case, officers spotted the man driving an unfamiliar vehicle after he had already been convicted of multiple drunk-driving accidents. The 61-year-old driver is being held under Massachusetts “dangerousness law” and will face a hearing to determine the charges he will face. Our Boston drunk driving accident attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims. In addition to pursuing compensation on behalf of clients and their families, we are committed to staying abreast of drunk driving law and legislative action that can prevent future tragedies.
According to the Boston Globe, the driver is facing multiple charges, including operating under the influence of alcohol (for the sixth time), driving with a permanently revoked license, and driving to endanger. Fortunately, officers arrested the offender before an accident occurred. His license has been revoked for life since 2012 and has been convicted five previous times in different Massachusetts communities.
The car was found abandoned and witnesses saw the driver exit the vehicle with a small dog and enter a nearby field. They watched him throw an object into the field, which was later identified as a can of beer. The driver had slurred speech, glassy eyes, and appeared to be intoxicated. Police also noted that they smelled alcohol on his breath. He refused a field sobriety test and was arrested and taken into custody.
Any criminal conviction can be used in a civil case to demonstrate negligence. In the event of a drunk driving accident, victims and their loved ones should contact an experienced advocate and independent investigator to determine the cause of the accident and identify all responsible parties, including restaurant owners, bar owners, bar tenders, or trucking companies. Drunk driving accidents and the devastation caused by a collision are preventable and responsible parties should be held both criminally and civilly accountable.
While the criminal justice system has made strides in preventing drunk driving accidents, civil actions still have an important role to ensure that individuals and entities are held accountable in the event of an accident. Dram shop laws and other third-party negligence claims can help ensure that drivers are not over-served. Individuals who have endured the tragedy of a drunk driving accident should consult with a personal injury attorney who can review the facts and circumstances and pursue legal action and maximize compensation from offenders and other responsible individuals and entities.
Call Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for a free and confidential appointment — (617) 777-7777.
More Blog Entries:
Officer Accused of Drunk Driving with Child in Vehicle, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, January 5, 2014
MADD Praises DADSS Research to Fight Drunk Driving Accidents, Boston Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer Blog, January 8, 2014