A 45-year-old North Carolina man was initially charged with one count of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle after a recent accident, but has now had those charges upgraded to two felony counts of death by motor vehicle. The accident reportedly occurred in Brunswick County on Friday, May 22.
A representative from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said the crash happened in the Ash community on N.C. 130 near Longwood Road around 10 p.m. The driver allegedly did not stop at a stop sign at the Longwood Road intersection, and slammed into another vehicle as a result. One passenger from each of the two vehicles died in the accident, including a 59-year-old man in the at-fault vehicle and an 82-year-old woman in the other car. One other person was taken via airlift for treatment at the New Hanover Regional Medical Center, with other passengers taken to other local hospitals.
Police officers say alcohol was likely to have been a factor in the accident, but the events of the crash are still under investigation at this point.
Injury claims after a drunk driving crash
When drivers responsible for car accidents are charged with (or convicted of) criminal offenses stemming from the incident in question, it may bolster any civil claims against them. In this particular case, any personal injury or wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver would have a greater likelihood of success if the driver is convicted of the felony charges he’s currently facing.
For more information on your legal options after a North Carolina auto accident, speak with a skilled personal injury lawyer at Lanier Law Group.