Alleged drunk driver causes accident resulting in 3 deaths

Memorial Day weekend is typically a time for family get-togethers as the traditional start to summer kicks off. For one family in upstate New York the weekend took a tragic turn due to an accident that was caused by an alleged drunk driver. The accident took the life of three family members. A four-year-old girl remains in the hospital fighting for her life.

The accident occurred on Sunday morning as a van carrying as many as seven family members was traveling on Route 20A near Sheldon. The van was reportedly struck by a pickup truck that failed to stop at a stop sign. The force of the impact ejected several occupants of the van. Two women and a child were pronounced dead at the scene and four other people were injured and transported to an area hospital where three of them were treated and released. The 4-year-old-girl remains in the intensive care unit in critical condition.

The driver of the pickup truck is believed to be the son of an area police officer. He has been charged with vehicular homicide, DWI and reckless driving. It is believed that he purchased alcohol with a fake ID card the night before the accident. He was reportedly returning home from an overnight bonfire when the accident occurred.

Drunk driving accidents are among the hardest automobile accidents to deal with because they are seen as being so easily preventable. Losing a loved one in an accident allegedly caused by a drunk driver is a horrible pain to bear and is made that much worse when there are multiple fatalities and injuries that include children. A family’s life will be forever changed by the accident and no one can reverse that change. A person in New York who has faced such a tragedy may wish to consult with a personal injury attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can review the facts of the accident and advise the client as to what legal options may be available.