When someone drinks and then drives and gets into an accident in which people are badly injured and/or killed, that driver can face serious consequences at the hands of prosecutors under Alaska law. Such was the case with a driver in a fatal Alaska DUI accident that occurred last year where a woman was killed and her husband injured, as the defendant was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter, assault and drunken driving.
The case stems from an Alaska DUI accident that occurred in July of 2009 at Mile 87.9 of the Seward Highway. The defendant, Thomas Lorah, 28, had been fishing on the Kenai Peninsula and was driving recklessly on the highway before crashing head-on into a vehicle that contained Annette Knofel, 59, who was killed along with her husband Bruce, who was seriously injured. The defendant's blood alcohol level was measured at 0.317, which is nearly four times the legal limit in Alaska. Lorah could face up to 20 years in prison because of the conviction.
Alaska Car Accident Statistics
We hope that this trial brought some feeling of justice to Mr. Knofel, who lost his wife in the accident and suffered immensely from the pain and suffering for many reasons. Unfortunately, this fatal Alaska DUI accident became part of the overall statistics regarding Alaska car accidents. Every year, approximately 10,000 such crashes occur, injuring 3,000 people and killing several hundred. About one-third of all fatal Alaska car accidents list alcohol as a factor.
Alaska Wrongful Death Lawyers
While the defendant has been convicted and awaits sentencing, no word was given as to whether Mr. Knofel has filed an Alaska wrongful death action against him. If he does and the case is successful, it could lead to an award of damages that compensate him for medical, funeral and burial costs as well as lost income and loss of companionship. Mr. Knofel could also file a claim for personal injury and be compensated for his own losses.
If you have been injured by a drunk driver, you need to seek the help of Alaska DUI accident lawyers who have been holding those who make this reckless choice accountable for many years. Contact Barber & Banker today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Alaska Personal Injury Lawyer