KANAWHA COUNTY, WV: A man has been charged with Driving Under the Influence Causing Death after deputies say he caused a crash under the influence that led to a woman losing her unborn baby.
The fatal collision happened along I-77 South just after 6:30 a.m. on July 18.
West Virginia Code 17C-5-2 states: “Any person who drives a vehicle in this state while he or she is in an impaired state, and such impaired state proximately causes the death of any person, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than three nor more than 15 years and shall be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $3,000, and shall have his or her license to operate a motor vehicle revoked by the Commissioner of the Division of Motor Vehicles for a period of 10 years or for a period of time conditioned on participation in the test and lock program in accordance with ┬º17C-5A-3a of this code.”
Deputies say Wickline was driving in the northbound lanes when he “fell asleep” and crossed over into the southbound lanes in front of another car, causing the two cars to crash, and causing significant damage to both cars.
A deputy on scene says they noticed signs of impairment from Wickline, who says he believed he was on I-64 nearing Charleston. A blood sample was submitted to the West Virginia State Police Toxicology Lab.
The victim told deputies she was 28 weeks pregnant at the time of the crash. She was taken to CAMC General for treatment, where the unborn baby was pronounced dead.
Contact a West Virginia Car Accident Lawyer
Have you been injured or lost someone you love in a car accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver? Then contact the Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, where our knowledgeable West Virginia Car Accident Lawyers regularly help accident victims all over West Virginia. We can fight for the compensation that will help with your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering while you recover from your ordeal.
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About the Author:
The Robinette Legal Group, PLLC is a West Virginia personal injury law firm based out of Morgantown, WV. It was founded in 1999 and is highly rated, with many honors and awards of excellence.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
