Driver held responsible for at least 15 hit-and-runs, 1 fatality

A 70-year-old alleged drunk driver racked up a massive amount of hit-and-run car accidents and one fatality when he decided not to stop after his first crash and continued with his drunk-driving spree. The man hit 15 different cars and crashed into a restaurant with his pickup truck before being apprehended by authorities at the scene of the last and fatal car accident.

While this crime spree didn't happen in South Carolina, it is being reported widely throughout the country due to the complete disregard the man had for the law. Alcohol is not a substance to be taken lightly and can impair judgment so badly that an event this tragic can happen when it is mixed with operating a piece of heavy machinery like a pickup truck.

The man only suffered minor injuries, but the he rear-ended a vehicle which was carrying two people. The driver of the car was injured, and the passenger was tragically killed from the impact. Families and friends of the fatally-injured victim may decide to seek legal action against the extremely negligent driver in order to receive justice for the deceased.

While the law is not capable of bringing back the wrongfully murdered person, it will be able to help shine light on what can happen when someone gets too drunk to acknowledge even the most reckless and deplorable behavior. The amount of damage caused by this act of recklessness may entitle the other victims, who received vehicular damage and minor injuries, to compensation. The man may be also be facing an extended period of time behind bars.

It is important to prosecute bizarre and extreme cases of reckless driving like this because it sets an example and helps to deter others from making the same mistake and hurting others. The compensation the victims will receive will not even begin to atone for the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on them, but the law will help in the most effective way it possibly can.

Source: WBTV, "Police: Drunk driver responsible for at least 15 hit-and-runs," Katie Brace and Will Frampton, Jan. 25, 2013