DUI Driver Kills Entire Family
Two adults and one child have been left dead after an overnight crash in Arlington.
Police say the three victims were traveling east on I-30 when a pickup truck slammed into the back of their small sedan. Their car was left disabled in the center lane of the highway without working taillights, police spokesman Christopher Cook said.
Moments later a Ford pickup hauling a landscape trailer struck the disabled vehicle. It was this impact that police investigators believe caused the fatalities.
The truck that caused the initial crash was reported to have driven on the outside shoulder, attempting to leave the scene of the accident, but his vehicle was also damaged from the impact. The suspect then fled on foot, attempting to hide in a wooded area.
Police have identified Benjamon Ray Stewart of Arlington, 41, as having caused the initial crash. Stewart now faces three counts of intoxication manslaughter and the charge of failing to stop and render aid. This is not Stewart’s first DUI. According to public record, in 2012 he pleaded no contest to the charge of DWI.
The driver of the small car was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman and child were pronounced were taken to Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital, where they were pronounced dead.
The names of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of the family.
All too often, drinking and driving can lead to tragedies such as this. No one imagines that they will ever be the one who will be involved in an automobile accident that ends in death. While tragedies on the road can happen at any time, avoiding drinking and driving is one of the best ways to help insure that such a tragedy doesn’t happen to you.
If you are involved in an accident, stay put until the authorities arrive. Leaving the scene of an accident where injury or death has occurred is a very serious crime. In the State of Texas it is considered a third degree felony and is punishable between 2 to 10 years in a state prison to leave the scene of an accident. Even if the injuries caused in the accident are not serious, leaving the scene of an accident or failing to render aid is a felony punishable between one year to five years in a county jail or state prison and a potential fine of up to $5,000. A conviction May also result in the suspension of your driver’s license if the crash caused serious injury or death.
Navigating through any accident case on your own can be confusing and time consuming. This is true to DUI cases in particular. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident, don’t hesitate to give our offices a call. If you are the victim of an accident involving a drunk driver, we can help. Facing medical expenses, the cost of long term care, the loss of income, funeral costs can be overwhelming. You may be entitled to recouping these costs as well as pain and suffering and damages for wrongful death. We have years of dedicated experience and service in cases of accident lawsuits. One of our lawyers can discuss your case with you and help your situation. We can provide you with the resources and attention to detail that can make certain that you are properly compensated for any damages, losses or death and to see that justice is served. Your initial consultation is confidential and is without cost or obligation. Call us. We can help.
