Drunk driving is a problem that affects all members of a community. When one hears of someone dying because of a crash involving a drunk driver, one naturally assumes the other party was driving a vehicle as well. Drunk drivers do not discriminate. They kill other drivers, passengers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and walkers, or pedestrians. The most vulnerable group are pedestrians or walkers because they have no protection. So, when pedestrians are struck they are severely injured and many of them die from those injuries or are left with disabling conditions.
Drunk Driving Laws in Texas
A driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading of .o8% or higher is considered legally drunk in Texas and may be charged and arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Serious injury of other drivers, passengers, bicyclists, motorcyclists, or pedestrians are aggravating factors that push the charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.
If one of the people injured dies, the suspected drunk driver is often charged with intoxication manslaughter. The operation of any vehicle – automobile, boat, airplane, and even a carnival ride – if done while intoxicated and causes the death of another, is intoxication manslaughter, also known as vehicular manslaughter in other jurisdictions. All other administrative proceedings, including suspension or revocation of driver’s license also apply and are imposed and administered by the Texas Department of Public Safety in intoxication manslaughter charges.
Tragic Drunk Driving Deaths
In mid-April a suspected drunk driver struck and killed a male student at the University of Houston that was walking his girlfriend, another student, home following a date. The female student was injured but did not die from her injuries. The suspected drunk driver is another student at the University of Houston.
According to the police report, the couple were walking and were a few feet away from the woman’s home when they were struck from behind by the suspected drunk driver. The suspected drunk driver allegedly was driving a pickup truck and speeding when he drove into opposing lanes of traffic to get around another vehicle that was making a turn. The suspected drink driver hit the other vehicle, which was a sedan that then spun out. The pickup truck then jumped on the curb felling and injuring the walking couple. Both students were taken to the hospital, but the male student died the following day. The other car’s driver was not hurt, intoxicated, or charged with any violation or crime following the accident.
Hire an Intoxication Manslaughter DWI Defense Firm
If you or someone you know has been charged with intoxication manslaughter or a DWI-related crime in the Plano or Denton areas of Texas, contact The Law Office of Kimberly Griffin Tucker, P.C. Our team of experienced DWI defense lawyers and legal professionals will provide information, analyze your case, and recommend a prompt solution to your intoxication manslaughter matter, including trial if necessary.