Not every Colorado resident considers the consequences of his or her actions when it comes to driving. This is evidenced by the fact that many fatal motor vehicle accidents involve factors such as drugs, alcohol and speeding. People who cause these accidents often fail to consider that they hold other people’s lives in their hands when they engage in these and other dangerous behaviors while driving.
For example, police in Colorado Springs report that speed and drugs contributed to a single-car accident that took place on a recent Thursday. The preliminary reports indicate that as the driver traveled south, he drove off the right side of the roadway. The vehicle was traveling at a fast enough speed that it knocked down a traffic signal.
Emergency responders in Colorado Springs needed to free the passenger from the wreckage before transporting him to a hospital in the area, along with the driver. Sadly, the passenger did not survive the injuries he suffered in the crash. In the meantime, the driver faces numerous criminal charges in connection with the crash and the death of his passenger, including vehicular homicide and DUI drugs.
Any evidence that prosecutors intend to present to the court in the criminal proceedings — along with any convictions secured — may provide the family of the deceased passenger with evidence that the death of their loved one resulted from the driver’s negligence. If successful, a civil court may consider a monetary judgment for damages sought in other fatal motor vehicle accidents. The potential restitution could provide the family with the ability to cover unexpected financial losses associated with a premature death.
Source: koaa.com, “Fatal crash shut down Powers Boulevard in Colorado Springs”, Aug. 31, 2017