Car accidents can happen any moment for a variety of different reasons. Even when drivers are typically safe and follow traffic rules, something as simple as making a wrong turn can have devastating consequences. Unfortunately, Illinois State Police believe that a recent accident was caused by DUI rather than a simple mistake.
The accident happened at approximately 7 a.m. on a day in January. Police claim that a 56-year-old woman was driving west on an Illinois interstate at the time of the incident. Her vehicle was allegedly struck by a car driven by a 29-year-old man.
The woman reportedly died at the scene. The other driver involved — whose identity was not immediately released — suffered serious injuries. Although it is unclear what led them to the conclusion, police believe that the male driver may have been under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Family members of the deceased woman expressed their grief over their loss but declined to make any other statement to the media until out-of-state family members could arrive.
Regardless of the criminal charge, defendants must be proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to be convicted. This standard is purposefully set high to prevent wrongful convictions. An attorney with experience with cases involving accusations of DUI can help the man in this case fully understand the charges against him and help him create a criminal defense appropriate to his individual case. Often, these professionals prove indispensable even at the earliest stages of a criminal investigation — before charges are even filed.
Source: fox2now.com, “Driver in fatal wrong-way crash suspected of DUI, Illinois State Police says“, Dan Gray, Jan. 22, 2018