Car accidents can, unfortunately, happen at any time of day. However, many people automatically assume that an accident that happens at night or during the early morning hours is always the result of a drunk driver. There are many legitimate reasons for people to be out late at night other than drinking, and it is important to ensure that any DUI charge is actually warranted. One Chicago man has been accused of several alcohol related charges after an accident killed one and injured three others.
The accident happened in the early hours of an October morning. Police claim that a sedan driven by a 19-year-old teenager failed to stop at a red light. As a result, it was struck by a vehicle that police claim had a green light. After the impact, the sedan crashed into a light pole.
Both occupants of the second vehicle declined medical treatment. An 18-year-old female in the sedan died at the hospital as a result of the injuries sustained in the accident. The driver and a 22-year-old passenger of the sedan were both transported to the hospital for treatment where they are listed in stable condition. The driver of the sedan faces several charges including disobeying the traffic signal and driving under the influence.
While it is easy to assume that the accident was a result of the driver’s intoxication, the DUI charge against the young man is extremely serious, and prosecutors must have evidence to support it. There is no information available at this time about blood alcohol tests that were administered to determine the driver’s sobriety or what led officer’s to believe the teenager had been consuming intoxicating substances. Chicago prosecutors must prove his guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in order to obtain a conviction. While everyone wants intoxicated drivers properly prosecuted, it is important that authorities ensure the charges are actually warranted and supported by evidence.
Source: CBS Chicago, Man Charged With DUI In Fatal Woodlawn Crash, No author, Oct. 7, 2013