Go to navigation Go to content

Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton

All We Do is Injury Law

Toll-Free: 1-800-752-0042
Phone: 1-757-460-7776

PHONE: 757-460-7776
TOLL FREE: 800-752-0042

Get help Now!

Interested in working with us? Call us on 1-757-460-7776 or fill out this quick form and we will contact you within 24 hours!

 

Practice Areas

Richard N. Shapiro
by Richard N. Shapiro
Connect with Richard N.
Rick is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

Blog Category:
2/4/2010
Richard N. Shapiro
Comments (0)

Charleston, W. Va. teen pleads guilty in fatal drunk driving accident

A West Virginia University freshman pled guilty to driving under the influence causing death for an incident that occurred in June of last year, according to the Charleston Daily Mail. 

The nineteen year old from Charleston, W. Va. was driving under the influence when he wrecked his vehicle and killed his passenger, a recent graduate of George Washington High School.  The victim was partially ejected through the windshield during the car crash. The driver suffered some injuries from the wreck and was treated at a nearby hospital.

We sympathize with the families and friends of the victim and our heartfelt condolences go out to them.  Nothing can be said to take away the pain and anguish these families and friends undoubtedly feel.  We can however remember the life lost through sharing his story and spreading the importance of practicing safe driving. 

Drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States, especially among young drivers, according to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.  The Va. DMV also notes that approximately one million drivers are arrested each year for driving under the influence (DUI.) 

In this unfortunate case, the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level was .186, more than double the BAC level for which a person can be arrested for drunk driving in West Virginia (.08).  It is important to remember that a BAC level of less than .08 can still impair a driver's ability to operate a motor vehicle. Even consuming a small amount of alcohol can cause drivers to drive in an unsafe and or reckless manner. 

In West Virginia, the punishment for the crime hardly seems appropriate.  According to a Charleston newspaper, the driver in this case will only face between 90 days to one year in jail for causing the death of his friend. DUI Laws and Consequences further notes that first time DUI offenders, not including accidents with fatalities, may face jail time between one day and six months.  Fines range from $100 to $500. The courts may also mandate community service and participation in a safety and treatment program.  

In my practice, I have too often seen cases like this. An innocent life is lost due to pure negligence.  While we can practice safe driving and spread the word of its importance, it is almost certain there will always be some drivers that disregard their safety as well as the safety of others by driving under the influence.  As long as these individuals are on the road, my colleagues and I will continue work to for you, representing the victims of these tragic accidents who can no longer represent themselves.   

Category: Car Accident Lawyers & Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

Labels: accident Attorney BAC level blood alcohol concentration car Charleston Crash drunk driving fatality Shapiro W. Va. West Virginia Wreck


 

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a law firm whose attorneys focus on injury and accident law, and we have handled thousands of car and truck accident cases. Check out our case results to see for yourself. We know the West Virginia area and have handled cases in or near Bluefield, Beckley, Bridgeport, Charleston,Huntington, Lewisburg, Madison, Martinsburg, Morgantown, Moundsville, Parkersburg, Ripley, Sutton, Weirton,Wheeling and other towns and counties. Several firm attorneys are licensed in West Virginia.  

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been included among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008, and they have been named and selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009. In addition, we are members of Primerus, a select group of highly ethical, respected law firms. We have also been recognized as one of the best injury law firms in West Virginia by U.S. News & World Report since 2010. We also offer free special reports ondistracted driving and the Best Guide to Car Accident Injuries. 

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer a free initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call promptly. 

 

injury, lawyer
Best Injury Lawyers in West Virginia



1 Comments to "Charleston, W. Va. teen pleads guilty in fatal drunk driving accident"

It's like you took the words right out of my mouth. Seriously, great job.
Posted by dui law on October 21, 2010 at 12:55 PM

Post a comment

Post a Comment to "Charleston, W. Va. teen pleads guilty in fatal drunk driving accident"

To reply to this message, enter your reply in the box labeled "Message", hit "Post Message."

Name:*

Email:* (will not be published)

Website:

Message:

Notify me of follow-up comments via email.

For security purposes, please enter the graphic text in the box below: [hit F5 if you can not read the text]