Rear-end collisions often strike the casual observer as minor events, rarely resulting in serious injury. Occasionally, however, when a much heavier vehicle strikes a car such as a Hyundai Elantra, the results can become tragic in just a few seconds. A recent collision on I-55 south of Southaven, shows just how tragic such accident can be.
The crash
According to the police report, a Hyundai Elantra was headed north on the interstate highway when it was struck by a Ford F-250. Police said that the positions of the two vehicles made it appear that the Hyundai had been struck from behind by the truck.
The front seat passenger in the Hyundai died at the scene. The Hyundai driver was seriously injured and was taken to Regional One Hospital. Two children in the car were taken to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis.
The driver of the Ford was identified at the scene and arrested. He was taken to the Southaven jail and charged with aggravated DUI that resulted in death to another person. The driver may be sentenced to between five and twenty-five years in prison.
Overview
The criminal charges in this case are very serious. If the defendant is convicted, he will face a significant jail term, loss of driving privileges and a significant fine. Anyone facing similar charges may benefit from consulting an experienced criminal defense attorney. A knowledgeable attorney can provide an evaluation of the prosecution’s evidence, legal strategies that may provide an effective defense. Mississippi does not permit plea agreements in DUI cases, but a capable defense lawyer can suggest other outcomes that may reduce the DUI penalties.