A five-car crash that left at least one person injured was due to drunk driving, according to Wauwatosa police. The car accident occurred on Mayfair Road when a 45-year-old man from Milwaukee was allegedly speeding with a blood alcohol content of 0.15, nearly twice the limit for drunk driving in Wisconsin.
The driver said that he did not remember what happened prior to the accident, but admitted to drinking a 24-ounce beer. A witness stated that he was traveling between 70 and 80 miles per hour when passing other cars before colliding with a vehicle, causing a chain reaction. One driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
The driver has two previous OWI convictions in the past five years. He was under orders to use an ignition interlock system, which was not present on the vehicle he was driving. The driver was also allegedly found with 4.5 grams of marijuana at the time of the accident. He has been charged with his third OWI offense. If convicted, he could spend up to three years in jail and face a $10,000 fine.
A personal injury attorney often represents victims of drunk drivers. Drunk driving is a common and preventable cause of auto accident injuries that often leads to serious injury or death. Personal injury lawyers examine the police and court reports to gather evidence to support a lawsuit for damages. Victims of drunk drivers may be entitled to collect not only the cost of their medical treatment but also payment for lost wages, increased living expenses and pain and suffering.
Source: Wauwatosa Patch, “Man Charged with Causing 5-Car Crash While Intoxicated,” Joe Petrie, Dec. 15, 2012