Accidents caused by drunk drivers are 100 percent preventable but sadly nonetheless happen all too frequently throughout Pennsylvania and the nation.

A driver accused of killing a baby girl in a drunk driving accident in North Whitehall Township in July has been charged by Lehigh County prosecutors with vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, and driving under the influence. The 1-year-old girl, who was not in a car seat, died after the 56-year-old man hit the minivan she was riding in with her parents on Old Mill Road, head-on. At the time of the accident the man's blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit. Police indicate it registered at .21.

The girl's parents were also badly injured in the accident. Her mother's spleen was removed and her heart was bruised. Both of her legs were also broken.

When someone has been killed due to the negligent actions of another person, loved ones can feel powerless. Though there is nothing that can be done to bring back the person who has died, seeking financial compensation for the loss of life may assist families in rebuilding without having to worry about a financial burden.

Though the baby was not restrained in a car seat at the time of the crash, Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin has no plans to charge the parents. The maximum they could be charged with under Pennsylvania law is a seat belt violation. This is a summary offense, the penalty for which is a fine of $100. In explaining his decision, the district attorney indicated he thought the parents had gone through enough already.

Source

WFMZ-TV: "Police: Driver drunk in crash that killed baby," Aug. 23, 2011