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West Virginia police say drug use caused multi-vehicle crash

On Behalf of | Apr 13, 2017 | Car Accidents |

Police in West Virginia say that a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 64 on the morning of April 7 that sent three people to the hospital was caused by a driver who was under the influence of heroin at the time. Wayne County prosecutors have been made aware of the accident and criminal charges have not been ruled out. The crash occurred at approximately 10:50 a.m. on Interstate 64 in the vicinity of Spring Valley Road.

The accident took place on an elevated section of the roadway in the Westmoreland area. Police say that two tractor-trailers and three cars were involved in a series of collisions that pushed one of the cars involved off the highway and into a ravine. The 70-year-old man behind the wheel of the car suffered broken bones in his arms and legs, a fractured back and a punctured lung. His vehicle plummeted about 85 feet according to reports. He was transported to a hospital in nearby Huntington where his injuries were described as life threatening.

The driver thought responsible was also injured in the crash along with his front-seat passenger. Their injuries were less severe, and reports indicate that they are likely to recover. Both are alleged to have been under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash. The accident caused Interstate 64 to be closed to traffic for about five hours.

Serious accidents involving impaired drivers can sometimes be challenging to those pursuing civil remedies. Drunk or drugged drivers who cause death or serious injury are often sent to prison for years, and inmates do not earn enough to pay much in the way of damages. In these situations, attorneys may pursue civil remedies on behalf of accident victims by filing lawsuits against the negligent driver’s insurance company.