Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog
A National Football League player was recently charged with intoxication manslaughter following a car accident that killed a teammate on a highway service road in a Dallas, Texas suburb. According to a spokesperson for the Irving Police Department, John Argumaniz, a 25-year-old Dallas Cowboys linebacker was killed when a defensive lineman flipped his Mercedes a few hours before the football team was scheduled to fly to Cincinnati for a game. Argumaniz said emergency responders called to the scene of the fatal collision found the linebacker unresponsive and the vehicle in flames. The linebacker was reportedly transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Argumaniz stated the driver was likely speeding well above the posted 45 miles per hour speed limit when the crash occurred. The driver allegedly refused a breathalyzer test, but was taken into custody after Irving police officers conducted a field sobriety test. A blood alcohol test performed on the defensive lineman after the collision purportedly registered at 0.18. The driver also allegedly admitted to ingesting alcohol at a club prior to the fatal wreck. If convicted, the football player faces up to 20 years in prison.
Both men previously played football together at the University of Illinois. Three years ago, the driver in the fatal crash allegedly pleaded guilty to drunken driving in Illinois. He reportedly served 60 days in jail and was sentenced to two years of probation in addition to being fined and ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.
In 2008, almost 12,000 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes throughout the country. That is approximately one unnecessary death every 45 minutes. In addition, about 48,000 motorists in the United States were charged with driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 2008. During the same year, 36 percent of auto accident fatalities in Illinois reportedly involved alcohol. Drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or other substances normally suffer from slow reaction times, blurred vision, an inability to focus, and poor judgment. Sadly, everyone on the roadway is placed at risk whenever an impaired driver makes the choice to get behind the wheel of a car.
The victim in an accident with a drunken driver often suffers tragic injuries or death. Even when an impaired driver is charged with a crime, he or she should also be held responsible for any financial damages that resulted from an accident. If you were injured by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your medical costs, lost wages and benefits, pain and suffering, any resulting temporary or permanent disability, and other damages. If you lost a close relative in a wreck that was caused by a drunken motorist, you may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. A skilled car accident lawyer can explain your rights.
If you were the victim in a crash that was caused by a drunken driver, do not hesitate to give the attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. a call at (312) 475-9596 today. Our knowledgeable Chicago area drunk driving accident lawyers are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury or wrongful death case. Our dedicated attorneys have years of experience advocating on behalf of clients who were hurt by an impaired motorist. To speak with a capable personal injury lawyer today, contact Abels & Annes, P.C. through our website.
More Blogs:
Off Duty Chicago Police Officer Charged in Connection With Logan Square Bicycle Accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 14, 2012
Woman Allegedly Driving Stolen Vehicle Blamed for Fatal Crash in Chicago Suburb, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 11, 2012
Additional Resources:
Cowboys’ Player Dies in Car Crash, Teammate Charged, by The Associated Press, nbcchicago.com
Josh Brent, Dallas Cowboy player accused in fatal car crash, had alcohol level twice the legal limit, report says, by Crimesider Staff, cbsnews.com