Two Vehicle Crash in Preston County on U.S. 50 Caused by DUI
Did you know that on average, every night two people in Monongalia County are picked up for DUI? Most of the time, these arrests are made following a collision caused by the impaired driver. Preston County is less populated, but a high percentage of accidents, especially fatal collisions, are caused by alcohol and impaired driving in this county as well.
Personal responsibility and wise choices are the best keys to preventing DUI crashes and arrests. When these crashes occur, the drivers must be held accountable to pay for the wrongs committed to their passengers, other drivers, pedestrians, and property owners.
The most recent DUI crash in Preston County occurred this week when a collision caused by adrunk driveron U.S. 50 near Fellowsville in Preston County, WV on Thursday morning caused two people to be taken to Ruby for treatment of injuries.
Preston County sheriff’s deputies responded about 4:30 a.m. to a wreck near Fellowsville, WV. An investigation determined that John Zogal, 35, of Tunnelton, was traveling east along U.S. 50 and crossed the centerline, striking a Ford F- 150 truck traveling west. The truck was driven by John Lipscomb, 51, of Eglon. Two passengers in the Lipscomb vehicle -Gordon Sphar, 53, of Rowlesburg, and Kevin McDonough, 57, of Oakland, Md. – were taken by Health Net helicopters to Ruby.
After further investigation, officers found that Zogal had been drinking alcohol. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence resulting in bodily injury. Zogal was arraigned before Preston County Magistrate Lew Ault and released on a $5,000 personal recognizance (PR) bond.
Our firm has represented many families as a result of drunk drivers causing collisions, and most recently represented the family of a woman who was killed by an intoxicated pickup truck driver. No amount of compensation can truly compensate for the loss of a daughter, mother, and friend, but certainly does help to provide for the unexpected funeral expenses, child care, and the future needs of the children when their provider is so tragically snatched from them. We consider it an honor to help families through these trying times and to obtain the compensation they need and deserve for their unquestionable losses.
These cases are always infused with sorrow, anger, and a feeling of helplessness. The permanent harm we see caused by drunk drivers, leaving families and individuals with permanent injuries and disabilities and even death made us decide early on that representing people charged with DUI was incompatible with our personal injury practice.
For more information about drunk driving claims, please contact our office for a free consultation. Call 304-594-1800.
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Sources:
Dominion Post, “Two Taken to Ruby After Crash on U.S. 50,” April 17, 2015.
WBOY News, “2-Vehicle Collision in Preston County Sends 2 to Hospital, 1 to Jail” April 16, 2015.
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.
