Maryland car accidents: Bishop accused in drunk driving accident

The news is filled with tragic stories every single day. For example, reporters frequently provide details regarding deadly car accidents. Most of the headlines, however, do not involve a high-ranking church official who is accused of causing a fatal accident while under the influence of alcohol. One Maryland family is now left coping with the loss of their family member as a result of the accident.

Police claim that the 58-year-old woman was driving on a Maryland road while under the influence. She was allegedly texting when she swerved and hit the rear of a bicycle. The 41-year-old bicyclist later died at the hospital as a result of head injuries.

Reports indicate that the woman left the scene of the accident, going to her house before returning approximately 30 minutes later. A breath test reportedly revealed that her blood alcohol content was .22, well over the legal limit. She has since turned herself in as a result of charges related to the accident. It is unclear if she has posted the $2.5 million bail. Records show that this isn’t the bishop’s first encounter with drunk driving charges.

Likely due to this woman’s position in the church, the case has received a significant amount of attention. While news stories provide details about the woman, it is important that the life of the deceased man is not overlooked. As his family members come to terms with the news of his death, they will also become more aware of the potential financial consequences stemming from the accident. Many victims — or their family members in the event of a fatality — of car accidents in Maryland have found themselves struggling as a result of an accident caused by another’s negligence. As result, some have chosen to seek legal relief by filing a civil case; when negligence claims were proved, many people were awarded a judgment for monetary damages.

Source: ABC News, “Maryland Bishop Facing Manslaughter Charge in Custody”, Juliet Linderman, Jan. 10, 2015