On June 6 at approximately 3:40 p.m., a 51-year-old Cedar Park man was driving westbound on Highway 290 between McDade and Elgin when his vehicle was clipped. His truck skidded sideways on impact and rolled several times. The driver was killed in the car accident.
It was initially stated that the driver of the other vehicle, a Hyundai, was distracted. However, after the fatal accident, the 47-year-old Bastrop man was arrested and charged with intoxicated manslaughter. He was transported to the Bastrop County Jail. It was not stated whether he was injured.
Police did not state how fast the drivers were traveling prior to the accident or what led them to believe that the driver was intoxicated. The man’s blood alcohol level was not released. Emergency officials were forced to close several lanes as they responded to the scene.
Driving under the influence creates a danger for every person on the road. Any person who drives while intoxicated may be civilly liable to those who are injured as a result of that behavior. A criminal conviction for DWI or intoxication manslaughter is conclusive proof that the person was not driving carefully. The conviction may be entered into evidence in a civil case.
When a person is killed due to another driver’s wrongful behavior, family members could be able to bring a wrongful death suit on behalf of the victim. A personal injury attorney may be able to assist with investigating the accident, obtaining records from the criminal court case and interviewing witnesses. This process may allow the attorney to negotiate with the insurance company in seeking a fair settlement that includes funeral expenses, lost earning potential and medical bills.
