Trial Over Officer's Traffic Death Address Impairment
According to an article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, a Levittown man whose car allegedly slammed into a parked police car, causing the cruiser to fatally run over an Officer, was “impaired.”
A paramedic and a police traffic investigator testified that the suspect behaved “oddly” right after the accident on January 29.
The 37-year-old officer became wedged under his cruiser and suffered a skull fracture and multiple fractures of the left leg.
He died of multiple injuries.
The driver went on trial November 9.
According to a fellow Officer and accident reconstructionist for the Middletown police force, the driver’s eyes were “red and glassy” and he was incoherent when interviewed by first responders.
The man is charged with homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. Court records have alleged that the man was high on methadone, marijuana, opiates and benzoylecgonine, a substance related to cocaine use.
The driver in this case should be held both civilly and criminally responsible for the officer’s death. The family of the officer would be well advised to seek the advice of an experienced wrongful death attorney. When needless death occurs due to negligence of another party, wrongful death lawsuits can be filed. In these lawsuits, the decedent’s heirs sue the negligent party or parties for damages related to the loss of life and their own pain and suffering. It is recommended that families who think their family member’s death was wrongful first contact a wrongful death attorney for a case assessment. If the case is valid, the attorney can help investigate the claim, gather evidence, represent them in court, and collect the compensation they deserve.
The attorneys at Cherry, Fieger, and Marciano understand the devastating impact a Pennsylvania wrongful death can have on a family. They can help you find justice and compensation for your loved one’s death. Your case consultation with one of the Philadelphia, PA wrongful death attorneys is free of charge and completely confidential.
Source article: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20091110_Impairment_at_issue_in_trial_over_officer_s_traffic_death.html
