A Raleigh woman pled guilty to felony death by motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated charges in an October crash that caused her son’s death. The 50-year-old woman will serve at least three years in prison for the crimes.
The accident occurred on October 13, 2014 on Creedmoor Road in the northern part of Raleigh. Jason Waller, the Wake County Assistant District Attorney, said that she had been driving her 1997 Chevy Suburban that afternoon, swerving in and out of traffic nearly hitting other vehicles before jumping the curb and slamming into trees. Her 12-year-old son, who was in the back seat, was killed in the accident when debris went flying through the windshield and the vehicle’s roof collapsed on top of him.
The woman was taken to the hospital after being extracted from the vehicle where she spent five weeks with a brain injury, two broken wrists and liver damage. A blood alcohol test done at the hospital revealed that her blood alcohol content (BAC) was at least 0.32 percent, four times the legal limit in North Carolina. She was also traveling at nearly 30 miles over the 45 MPH speed limit on the road. She reportedly has no recollection of the accident.
In addition to prison time, the woman will undergo significant mental health and substance abuse counseling.
When people get behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they pose significant dangers to themselves, their passengers and everyone who shares the road with them. State law is harsh on drunk drivers, especially those who cause injuries or death to others.
If you have been injured in a crash involving a drunk driver, seek sound legal assistance from the North Carolina auto accident attorneys at Lanier Law Group.