Accidents in Washington that involve alcohol entail potentially serious legal consequences. For example, a recent accident on the I-5 bridge connecting Portland and Vancouver has been blamed on drinking and driving.
According to a report, the defendant was driving his pickup south on I-5 when he allegedly smashed into the left-hand guardrail on the bridge spanning the Columbia River. The truck then careened across all three southbound lanes and struck the right-hand guardrail. When it finally stopped, the truck was blocking the entire southbound lane. The passenger in the truck was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment of unspecified injuries. The driver was not injured.
Police have apparently blamed the crash on drunk driving. Officers alleged that the man had been drinking before the accident, although no evidence was cited to support this assertion in the news report. The driver was arrested, but no criminal charges were announced. Washington drivers who cause substantial bodily harm to others can be charged with vehicular assault, which may entail loss of driving privileges, a significant fine and incarceration of up to ten years.
Anyone facing similar charges may wish to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for advice on the facts and law that apply to the case. A knowledgeable lawyer with experience in cases that involve allegations of drunk driving can suggest potential defense strategies, aid in negotiating a plea agreement or, if necessary, defend the charges in a trial.
Source: The Columbian, "Driver arrested after I-5 bridge wreck," Craig Brown, Jan. 20, 2018