A two-vehicle accident on US 41 near Henderson, Kentucky, lead to a DUI charge for one driver involved on Sunday.
34-year-old Steven McLaughlin is a resident of the Henderson area. He was driving a large Ford F350 which became stuck in a ditch, partly blocking the south bound lane of the highway. At that time, a driver in a Dodge Ram pickup failed to stop for the accident. 22-year-old Benjamin Priutt was driving the Dodge, and he sustained minor injuries in the collision.
A passenger in McLaughlin’s vehicle, 37-year-old Teresa McLaughlin, was seriously injured in the accident. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance to be treated for injuries. First responders may have suspected Pruitt of DUI initially, but an investigation revealed other results.
McLaughlin was determined to be at fault for driving with a BAC of .12%, perhaps causing him to drive the vehicle off the road an into the ditch. He was charged with DUI in the incident, but he was charged with a misdemeanor first-offense. No assault charges were issued. They would have likely been issued if Pruitt was found to be under the influence instead of McLaughlin due to the circumstances. Kentucky Lawyer group attorney Finis Price says that it is important to have a civil attorney assist the victim through the criminal process to ensure the value of the victim’s case is not jeopardized.
