Drunk Driving....the Aftermath

Laura Mackie

Contributor

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When an individual chooses to mix alcohol consumption and operation of a motor vehicle, the results are often tragic. The repercussions of drunk driving are not measured solely in terms of fines and jail time. All too often, innocent bystanders become the unwitting victims of the alcohol impaired driver. On December 26, 2006, Joanne Dues was sentenced to four years in prison for gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated. On September 29, 2006 Ms. Dues (age 55) was driving east on Highway 108 in Tuolumne County California when she struck and killed a pedestrian. The pedestrian, Jackson Lawe (age 43) had been walking on the paved shoulder of the road when Ms. Dues hit him from behind. Witnesses to the accident followed Ms. Dues' to her home where she was later arrested.

When families loose a loved one to such a tragic wrongful death, it is often left to the civil courts to sort out the emotional and financial aftermath. In these situations, the experienced litigator is able to provide invaluable guidance while assisting the bereaved family as they negotiate the complex and emotionally draining claims process.