It's common for law enforcers to see an increased number of drunk drivers on the roads on 4th of July weekend. However, one particular accident on Monday has certainly captured the attention of many New Yorkers because of severity of the incident.
The New York Daily News reports that 30-year-old Dave Richards was driving with a reported blood-alcohol level of .19 on Monday, which is more than twice the legal limit. The Bronx man was blind, but was allegedly driving while he was impaired in the wrong direction on the Long Island Expressway. This caused a vehicle explosion when two cars collided near the 164th St. exit in Flushing, Queens.
The victim in the accident was 64-year-old John Rey, who reportedly suffered two shattered legs and severe internal injuries in the accident. The man was driving a Super Shuttle van, an airport shuttle. The victim underwent surgery after the incident, but was left in critical condition after the surgery.
The alleged drunk driver was also left in critical condition after the accident, but he is still facing criminal charges. So far, Dave Richards has been charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless endangerment and driving with a suspended license. If John Rey dies from the accidents injuries, the driver may received enhanced charges like manslaughter.
Yet those who know Dave Richards insist that he was not drunk at the time of the incident. His fiancée believes that another driver hit his car, which caused Dave Richards to spin out and travel in the wrong direction on the freeway. In order to prove his innocence, he'll have to hire a New York criminal defense attorney.
Related Resources:
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Drunk Driving FAQ (FindLaw)
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Defenses to Drunk Driving (FindLaw)
