The loss of a loved one is a terrible thing for any family to have to endure. This tragedy is made even worse if it occurred as the result of someone else’s negligence or malicious intent. Car accidents are one of the most common ways for residents of New Jersey, and elsewhere, to be seriously injured or killed. Along with speeding, reckless driving and texting while driving, driving while intoxicated threatens the lives of people across the country on a daily basis.
A fatal accident involving a New Jersey police officer shows that not even police are above the law when it comes to drunk driving. According to authorities, the 27-year-old officer had gone to a strip club with friends last March and had some drinks. Prior to leaving the club, the off-duty officer posted pictures on social media of shot glasses containing hard liquor.
The police officer was involved in a crash that killed another officer and a friend, as well as critically injured a third officer in the vehicle. Reportedly, he collided with a tractor-trailer on the West Shore Expressway on Staten Island. Authorities said he had a blood alcohol content three times the legal limit.
He will likely be charged with vehicular homicide and vehicular manslaughter, and plans to plead not guilty. Records revealed that the officer had been arrested twice before for drunk driving and was in eight accidents since 2005.
In cases where someone’s actions caused the wrongful death of another person, it would not be unreasonable for the surviving family members to seek compensation for medical and funeral expenses.
Source: ABC News, “Lawyer: NJ Cop to Plead Not Guilty in Deadly Crash,” Sept. 16, 2015
