A drunk driving collision can lead to serious charges; in Virginia, you could face a felony if you injure another person while you’re intoxicated. The seriousness of a charge is why it’s wise to seek out a defense the moment you’re in an accident; there may be ways to reduce a charge or to have the criminal charges against you dismissed.
An SUV driver has been charged with driving under the influence charge after being involved in a serious sidewalk collision. According to a news released on ARL Now from Oct. 5, the vehicle was headed east on Clarendon Boulevard when it drove up onto the sidewalk as it crossed Washington Boulevard. At that point, it struck a pedestrian who was in the crosswalk and knocked down a light pole.
The first pedestrian was fortunate and suffered only minor injuries in the collision. The pedestrian was transferred to Virginia Hospital Center for care. A second pedestrian was also involved when the vehicle continued on after striking the first person. The second pedestrian was trapped under the vehicle and had to be extricated. She had serious but non-life threatening injuries and was transported to George Washington University Hospital for treatment. It has been reported that she suffered from multiple broken bones and internal injuries.
The driver who caused the accident, a 49-year-old man, has been charged with DUI maiming. This crime is a Class 6 felony in Virginia, which means he could face up to five years in prison and have his driver’s license revoked for an undisclosed amount of time.
Source: ARL Now, “SUV Driver Charged With DUI in Clarendon Sidewalk Crash,” Oct. 05, 2016
