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Man pleads guilty in Massachusetts State Trooper’s death

2/7/2014

There isn’t any good reason to drive drunk. A person who is drunk has impaired abilities to make decisions and control a vehicle. This can lead to accidents that result in serious injuries or even fatalities. For one man, making the choice to drive drunk ultimately cost a popular Massachusetts State Trooper her life.

The accident occurred in 2003 when the man was driving from Wayland to Cape Cod. He rear-ended the cruiser of the female trooper who was in the breakdown lane on Route 25, inspecting a guardrail that was reportedly damaged in an earlier accident. She had the lights flashing on her cruiser at the time of the accident. The accident caused severe brain damage. The brain injury victim was initially in a coma and then in a specialized care facility. She was paralyzed. She died on June 1, 2011 and was the first female trooper to die in the line of duty.

The man recently pleaded guilty to motor vehicle homicide. He was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison with one year to serve based on time he already spent incarcerated. He must also serve three years of probation and do 500 hours of community service at a brain injury treatment facility. He could lose his license for up to 15 years because of the guilty plea.

This tragic accident might have been prevented if the man hadn’t have been driving almost 100 miles per hour while intoxicated. Those who have lost a loved because of another’s reckless or negligent actions – such as drunk driving – have a right to seek compensation from the at-fault driver. Claims may include those for medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages and other damages.

Source: Officer.com, “Drunken Driver Given Probation in Virginia LODD” Patrick Cassidy, Jan. 31, 2014

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