A recent motor vehicle collision in Texas has left many people wondering whether the man who was behind the wheel of the car that crashed was showing signs of impairment during a traffic stop approximately 20 minutes earlier. Police had reportedly stopped the 35-year-old for allegedly traveling at a high rate of speed. Police later stated that the man told the officer in question that he had marijuana in his car, which was then confiscated. Police also say that, at the time, they did not suspect the man as a drunk driver.
Driver was detained and released
The officer who made the traffic stop told the man he was free to go. Little did he know that just 20 minutes later, the man would crash into the back of another vehicle, which would then cause a 7-car pile-up on the highway before igniting in flames. The car that was struck by the man was occupied by the woman driving and her three children.
A toddler initially survived the forceful impact of the crash
Two of the children, a 7-month-old and 5-year-old were declared dead at the scene, as was their mother. A 2-year-old who was also in the vehicle when it was struck was transported to a trauma center and placed on life support but later died. The man’s blood alcohol content level registered at twice the legal amount permitted for operation of a motor vehicle. He is now facing charges of intoxicated manslaughter with a $160,000 bond set. Police say the man suffered several bumps and bruises in the crash.
Grieving families may seek financial recovery for their losses
The grief of a fatal collision is always intensified when children are involved. In this tragic case, four members of the same family were killed. There is no way to replace a loss of such magnitude. However, in the past, family members of victims killed by drunk drivers have filed wrongful death claims in civil court, which provided compensation for damages that they were then able to use to help cover funeral costs and other expenses associated with the incidents that caused their loved ones’ deaths.