Texas boy dies from injuries sustained in 2009 DWI crash

On Behalf of | Jun 28, 2015 | Articles, Drunk Driving Accidents |

A young boy who sustained serious injuries in a drunk driving accident in 2009 recently died due to the effects of the collision.

A young boy was hit by a drunk driver in Texas six years ago, states USA Today. After the car accident occurred, the boy lived in a near vegetative state, often had to rely on oxygen and was never able to respond to interaction from his parents. At eight-years-old, after suffering from many bouts of pneumonia, the boy recently died. However, the man who caused this injurious crash has not been sentenced and still remains in jail.

Why the trial has been delayed

On the night the crash occurred, USA Today states that the man’s blood alcohol content level was approximately three times the legal limit. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the legal BAC level limit in the state is 0.08. The main reason why the man’s trial has been delayed is because efforts have been made to enhance the penalties he faces since he has committed other DWI-related offenses in other states. Instead of a maximum 20-year sentence, prosecutors are trying to have the man sentenced to life in prison.

Many drunk drivers are repeat offenders

Like the man who caused this crash, many drunk drivers have driven in an intoxicated state before. According to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving organization, approximately one-third of all drivers convicted or arrested of driving intoxicated are repeat offenders. However, many negligent drivers who choose to drive in an impaired state after consuming alcohol are never caught. The MADD organization states that on a daily basis, 300,000 people drive drunk, but only 4,000 are arrested.

To prevent injurious and fatal collisions caused by repeat DWI offenders, the president of the MADD organization is currently pushing for the instatement of mandatory ignition interlock laws for all first-time DWI offenders in Texas, states The Dallas Morning News. Currently in the state, only first-time DWI offenders who had a BAC level of 0.15 higher at the time of the arrest are required to use one of these devices in the vehicle they drive.

However, this isn’t the first time that this organization has encouraged the enactment of stricter DWI ignition interlock laws in Texas. Since 2006, this ignition interlock initiative has been a part of the organization’s attempt to eliminate drunk driving in the country.

Seeking compensation

Regardless of whether a driver in Texas chooses to drive intoxicated for the first time or after several prior DWI-related convictions, serious car accidents can occur that result in significant injuries for those involved. If you were harmed in an accident caused by a drunk driver, speak with an attorney to determine what compensation may be available to you to cover the costs associated with the collision.