Tow trucks and their drivers are supposed to help people when their cars are disabled or involved in a collision. A recent accident in a suburban county northeast of New York City stood this scenario on its head, as a tow truck driver collided with another vehicle, injuring two people. The tow truck driver has been charged with drunk driving and texting while driving.
The tow truck was headed north on Route 17 in Rockland County when it supposedly crossed the double yellow line and crashed head-on into a southbound Chevy Suburban. Investigation at the scene of the accident appeared to indicate that the tow truck driver was distracted by texting. Police also allege that the truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
The two people in the Suburban, the 44-year old driver and his passenger, a 42-year old woman, were taken to a nearby hospital, treated and released with undisclosed injuries. The passenger is pregnant. The driver of the tow truck was slightly injured, but he refused medical treatment at the scene. The driver of the tow truck has been charged with two counts of reckless endangerment, aggravated DWI, DWI, and traffic violations, including crossing the center line and using a cell phone while driving.
The tow truck driver is entitled to be presumed innocent of all charges unless and until he is proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Nevertheless, the involvement of alcohol increases the seriousness of the offenses, and if convicted, the tow truck driver may face a prison sentence and heavy fines. Anyone facing similar charges may wish seek the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer can provide a helpful evaluation of the facts and law that will govern the case and an estimate of the likelihood of obtaining a favorable plea agreement or an outright acquittal.
Source: Ramapo Daily Voice, Drunk
