An allegedly drunk motorist caused a three-car accident last Friday morning in Bassett, Virginia. According to authorities, three individuals were hurt in the crash. One needed to be airlifted to a hospital in Roanoke.
Authorities first received news of the crash at approximately 10:13 a.m. on Friday. The crash happened along Virginia Route 57, not far from Virginia Route 698. The 28-year-old woman from Spencer, who was driving a 2012 GMC Terrain sport-utility vehicle, is alleged to have crossed over into opposing lanes of eastbound traffic on Virginia 57.
After crossing into oncoming traffic, the woman caused two vehicles to crash. The first of those vehicles was a 1999 Chevrolet Malibu. The 40-year-old woman driving that car tried to avoid colliding with the GMC, but it was struck in the driver’s door. The next automobile, a 2003 Ford Explorer sport-utility vehicle, also tried to run off the road in order to avoid the collision and succeeded in doing so. However, the Explorer was hit by an axle that had come off the Terrain.
The driver of the Malibu needed to be extricated from her vehicle with the jaws of life. She was flown to a hospital in Roanoke. Also, a passenger riding the Malibu required hospital care and was taken to a medical facility in Martinsville. Both patients have since been released. Fortunately, no one else was injured in the crash.
The driver of the GMC has since been charged with DUI drugs relating to the accident. When drivers are convicted of DUI charges relating to a car accident that involves injuries, those who are injured may be able use evidence from the criminal case to support their claims for personal injury damages stemming from the accident. However, a criminal conviction is not required to pursue a civil claim against the at-fault driver.
Source: Martinsville Bulletin, “Two injured in Thursday morning wreck in Bassett,” Paul Collins, Aug. 27, 2015