Likely, most people know someone who, despite knowing the potential dangers of doing so, will sometimes get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after drinking. Although sometimes people who insist on making such poor choices may manage to end their journey unscathed, others are not so lucky and cause a terrible tragedy for themselves and often, others as well. This certainly was the case for a Pennsylvania driver who crashed head-on into a vehicle, leaving himself and five other people injured, some critically.
Driver crashes head-on into oncoming vehicle
The horrific incident happened just after 10 p.m. on a recent Saturday evening in Northampton Township. Investigators gathered witness statements and concluded that a man in a northbound vehicle attempted to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone. Apparently, the man had crossed into the opposite lane on double yellow lines. His vehicle crashed head-on into an oncoming vehicle; the impact pushed that vehicle back 50 feet and sent the man’s vehicle back into his original lane where it was hit by the vehicle the man had tried to pass.
Six people seriously injured; driver charged
Sadly, four teenage girls in the car that was hit head-on suffered serious injuries, as well as the driver who caused the crash and a passenger traveling with him. Three occupants of the third vehicle involved were treated at the crash site and released. Reportedly, police found several alcoholic beverages in the vehicle whose driver caused the crash, both opened and unopened. Police have charged the driver with five counts of aggravated assault and aggravated assault by vehicle and eight misdemeanor counts of recklessly endangering another person.
According to reports, these victims all face some length of recovery from their injuries, and they are likely suffering from a great deal of trauma, both physical and emotional. Any Pennsylvania resident who has experienced this type of ordeal understands the challenges, including the unexpected expenses that often follow serious motor vehicle accidents due to medical bills, lost income, etc. These victims and/or their family members may consider sitting down with an attorney experienced in personal injury cases. He or she can review individual case details and advise people of the best course of action moving forward.