Drunk Driver Kills 2 Construction Workers

On behalf of Lovett Law Firm posted in Car Accidents on Saturday, May 17, 2014.

Those who choose to work in road construction are always at risk of the motorists on the road. All it takes is one driver who is reckless, distracted or intoxicated to cause a tragedy.

Constructions workers were busy on the morning of May 11, 2014, doing road work near the University of t El Paso on Interstate 10. The workers were constructing a bridge that would connect Paisano and Schuster Drive to the campus. Portions of the interstate were closed to ensure the safety of the workers.

At roughly 2:30 a.m., a young man allegedly ignored the barricades that were placed around the construction and drove into the area where the men were working. He struck two workers, and one of the men died at the scene. The other was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were said to be life threatening. He subsequently succumbed to his injuries.

The 18-year-old driver was arrested, and he was identified as a soldier in the 1st Armored Division at Fort Bliss. Although formal charges were not immediately filed, law enforcement officials believed that alcohol may have played a role in the incident.

Every car accident is a tragedy, but that tragedy is even greater when the ones who lose their lives were simply doing their jobs. A number of issues could be at play in this case, and the families of the two men should consider hiring legal counsel to sort them out. The guilt of the driver will be assessed by law enforcement, but an inquiry should be made into whether the barricades were sufficiently visible so the workers in the area were safe.

No amount of money can ever bring back a loved one who is lost, but the families may be able to seek out compensation for loss of future earnings and loss of companionship which may help to send a message to other drivers.

Source: El Paso Times, “Second construction worker dies in wreck near UTEP” David Burge, May. 11, 2014