The Sandy Springs Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the death of a pedestrian on August 2.
Thirty-two-year-old James Daniel Worsham of Acworth was taken into custody after officers determined that he was driving under the influence when he struck the unnamed individual.
Police responded to the area of Interstate 285 East near New Northside Drive after receiving a 911 call at 2:40 a.m.
When they arrived at the scene, they discovered the body of the victim lying on the interstate.
They then found a badly damaged pickup truck about half a mile to the east of the primary scene. Witnesses confirmed that the truck was involved in the accident.
Sandy Springs traffic investigators have charged Worsham with vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, and failure to maintain lane. More charges are pending.
Worsham was booked into the Fulton County Jail.
A charge of vehicular homicide can stem from either negligence or recklessness or not obeying standard traffic laws. It can either be a felony or a misdemeanor.
When a driver is charged with a felony, it’s usually because they were driving under the influence or they committed another serious traffic offense.
These offenses include overtaking and passing a school bus, reckless driving, hit-and-run, and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer.
Penalties include between three and 15 years in prison.
Habitual violators – individuals convicted of three or more serious traffic-related crimes within five years – can also be found guilty of a felony. They face between five and 20 years in prison.
All other misdemeanor traffic offenses that result in death attract a charge of misdemeanor vehicular homicide. These include failing to maintain a lane, running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, and speeding.
A conviction for vehicular homicide also results in fines and driver’s license suspension.
If you lost a loved one in a crash, a Georgia car accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensation.
Source: https://www.northwestgeorgianews.com/region/man-arrested-in-dui-case-for-fatally-hitting-pedestrian-on-i-285-in-sandy-springs/article_7afd7ed8-8197-573c-8a9a-e231c943da24.html
