A Maryland man is facing charges after an alleged New Year’s Day impaired driving accident in Virginia that resulted in the death of another driver. The crash, which claimed the life of a 21-year-old victim, happened on Route 19 about a mile south of the intersection with Route 58 in Russell County. The 41-year-old driver now faces charges of aggravated involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence. State police officials say he was heading south in the northbound lane of the highway when his pickup truck hit the victim’s vehicle head-on.

Wrong-way crashes typically the result of impaired driving

There are numerous reasons why wrong-way accidents occur, but by far the most common is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired motorists have a higher likelihood of failing to notice signage alerting them that they are about to go in the wrong direction on a one-way street or highway. This often leads to head-on crashes, which have the highest rates of injury and death compared to other types of car accidents. Any individual found guilty of driving under the influence after an accident causing death will face felony charges that, if convicted, could lead to incarceration. That would be in addition to any civil penalties stemming from a wrongful death lawsuit the victim’s family may wish to pursue. Impaired driving is incredibly dangerous and negligent. If you or someone close to you has been seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of another part, meet with a trusted La Plata, Maryland personal injury lawyer at Mudd, Mudd & Fitzgerald, P.A.