Once a vehicle travels off the road, the driver may have little time to respond quickly enough to prevent a subsequent collision. Should this accident lead to the death of a passenger, the driver may feel the weight of this experience throughout the rest of his or her life. Unfortunately, a man is now facing DWI charges following a recent single-car accident that claimed the life of a passenger in North Carolina.
According to authorities, the incident took place just after 1 a.m. on a recent Sunday morning when the man's vehicle left the road and struck several trees. The force of the impact reportedly caused the vehicle to split apart before overturning, and a passenger was pronounced dead on the scene soon thereafter. Police claim the man was traveling above the speed limit at the time and he was unable to navigate a curve in the road.
No information was provided as to whether field sobriety or breath tests were conducted following the accident. However, authorities have also advised that impairment was a contributing factor. According to reports, the man is facing several charges in relation to the incident, including felony death by vehicle, driving while impaired and reckless driving.
DWI charges of this nature carry serious consequences, and those who face such charges may wish to prepare for what comes next by focusing on their defense. However, without the necessary legal experience, this can prove a challenging task, and seeking guidance from an attorney may be advisable. A defense attorney can examine the circumstances a client in North Carolina is facing and provide guidance on the best course of action with which to proceed.
Source: wbtv.com, "One dead, one charged in fatal car crash overnight in south Charlotte", Feb. 18, 2018