The roads throughout our state and New England, generally, are some of the most congested in the U.S. Of course, this means that we also have some of the most dangerous roadways. Though, we do not to expect to have to be wary of our own Massachusetts State Police Trooper.
The fatal car crash
According to the Massachusetts State Police, last Friday, around 1:30 a.m. on Interstate 93, and the person at fault is a now, former, MSP trooper. MSP claims that, after a preliminary investigation, they found that their trooper was driving southbound on I-93 in Dorchester. The off-duty MSP trooper lost control of her SUV when she attempted to lean over and kiss her passenger. The SUV impacted the median concrete barrier, which caused the SUV to lodge itself perpendicular within both left lanes. A few minutes later, a motorcyclists struck the SUV.
After the car accident
The Winthrop motorcyclists was rushed to Boston Medical Center. Unfortunately, he died there as a result of his injuries from the accident. The driver and her passenger both had minor injuries, but neither was transported to the hospital for them. However, the passenger admitted that they both had been drinking prior to the accident. Indeed, prosecutors believe the pair drank 6 or 7 alcoholic beverages a piece prior to getting behind the wheel.
Criminal justice
The Springfield-based MSP trooper was relieved of duty and fired soon after. According to the Dorchester District Court, she has been charged with motor vehicle homicide while operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. She has already been arraigned and released. Her bail was only set at $5,000, but as a condition of her release, she is not allowed to drink alcoholic beverages.
For the victim’s family, knowing that the wheels of criminal justice are turning likely provides some comfort. However, that is not their only route for justice. Through a wrongful death lawsuit, they can hold the person civilly liable for the death of their loved one. This can help get them back on their feet or at least help get a sense of justice. For all Massachusetts residents, including those in North Andover, we have this option when a loved one is killed by another driver’s negligence.
