Pedestrian killed by alleged drunk driver in Somerset

According to reports, a male pedestrian walking along I-195 near the Braga Bridge in Somerset was struck and killed by an alleged drunk driver. The accident occurred on Nov. 29 around 8:30 p.m.

Investigators from multiple agencies, including the Somerset Police Department, the Fall River police and rescue and the Massachusetts State Police, all responded to the scene of the collision. The pedestrian, who had been walking along the westbound lanes of the interstate, was apparently struck by a 55-year-old Fall River man who was reportedly driving a 2004 Toyota.

The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. After finding an abandoned vehicle, authorities used K-9 dogs to locate and detain the accused driver. He was charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and may be facing additional charges in the crash. Following the accident, the westbound lanes of the interstate were closed while the law enforcement agencies conducted their investigation of the accident scene.

It can be devastating to lose a loved due to the reckless actions of a drunk driver. Despite tightened laws and educational campaigns, people continue to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after consuming alcohol, endangering the lives of all those around them on the highways. When a person is wrongfully killed by a drunk driver, the victim’s family may be able to hold the drunk driver civilly liable for his or her wrongful actions in causing the fatal accident. By filing a wrongful death lawsuit, the family may be able to recover compensation for all of the economic and noneconomic losses suffered.

Source: The Herald News , “Man struck and killed on I-195; Fall River driver charged with OUI“, Jo C. Goode , November 29, 2014