Quote:
Originally Posted by drinkienothinkie
I expect anger and I expect backlash. Believe it or not, I have gotten sympathy from people when I tell them what happened and that actually makes me feel worse, because I know I am undeserving of it. I explained my situation because I came to a forum for legal advice. I explained my finances in hopes that others who have been in my shoes might relate their experiences, so that I might know what to expect and what my options are at this point. I'm not in search of sympathy. I'm in search of legal and factual advice and information.
I am truly sorry for anyone in a situation brought on by the careless actions of others. But you go about trolling legal advice forums with your anger and personal feelings as if in some way it is going to help you to get back at the world. The truth is, I couldn't feel worse about what I've done before I read your post. Of course I have thought about if others had been involved and I am so grateful that that wasn't the case. I know that I have to change my lifestyle so that it never has the chance to be. For me, that obviously includes whether I intend on driving or not--I just can't drink liquor.
I am still a good person deserving of the chance to turn my life around and become a better person. Yes, I still deserve advice so that I can make an informed decision on hiring a lawyer without getting ripped off. No, I'm not just the "thoughtless self-centered dangerous person" you would like to make me out to be. That sounds like a judgment you create to fuel your anger toward behind the impersonal computer screen. I have been moping around the past few days feeling like the scum trash of the earth. Thank you, Grace, for making me realize that while I should feel sorry for what I've done, I shouldn't feel that way about myself as a person. I am a good person who made a horrible "thoughtless and dangerous" mistake. The law is intended to 1) punish me for my crime and seek repayment for it and 2) to correct me into becoming a better and more responsible citizen. It is not out there to ostracize me from society and take away all hope of becoming a better person with a better future.
In spite of your lack of advice, I'm going to go out there and do it.
I do truly hope the best for you and your children. I don't think there is anything more I should say on your situation, because I know I am the last type of person you want to hear apologies from. That said, I think you could use your story in a positive way, perhaps in through M.A.D.D. (not sure if you do) or in school driver's ed teaching, to help reach people before they've gone and done what I've done (or worse) and it's too late.
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If you drink and drive you ARE a dangerous person. I dare you to tell me how an intoxicated person is NOT DANGEROUS behind the wheel of a car. If you wish to play syntactical games, my dear, I assure you that you will not win.
Trolling? I have spent a great deal of time answering LEGAL questions in this forum--in fact, more than anyone else who has participated here to date. That doesn't mean I am always right, but it means I am serious about the law-----serious enough to get a Master of Science degree in Criminal Law as well as spend money to be IN law school. I feel passionately about it, and lawlessness angers me----any lawlessness---not just drunk driving. Angry at a computer screen? Dear God, spare me another armchair psychologist who knows what is "wrong with me", but doesn't even have enough judgment not to drink and get behind the wheel of a car. Sorry---the high road called--they are revoking your pass.
Back at the world? What in the world makes you think that? Not a day passes that I don't look at my life and think to myself how incredibly grateful I am. Even with the loss of my husband, I am not bitter. I am angry that the possibility for MORE hurt exists for other people as a result of people like you---but angry for my loss? Oh, read on.
Since you brought it up---certainly I am entitled to explain, although this is certainly not a religious forum.
The Bible, in the book of Psalms states that before we were conceived in the womb, that the Lord knew us---the Bible also states he has numbered our days and to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. My husband was as safe on the road that day as he was in the living room watching TV. You see, that day and that moment in time was the time that his Lord chose for him to be called home. (Note: This is a personal belief, not proselytization). I would no more expect you do accept this notion than you would expect me to hold to your beliefs. It is personal---not a suggestion you or any one else reading this should believe or feel the same.
Although it was my husbands time to meet his Savior, the young man with him in the vehicle was a close friend who was afraid of death and life/death afterward. He was incinerated upon impact and the resulting explosion made it impossible to identify him for several days with the use of dental records. You see those of us who are Christians believe our time here on earth is but for a duration, and our life hereafter is our reward. Angry at the world? Nothing could be further from the truth. "The world" had nothing to do with it. You see, I serve a God that is too kind to be cruel, and too wise to ever, ever err. That does not mean, however, that blatant lawlessness or stupidity doesn't anger me.
Make you feel worse? I have no idea how you figure that was the point of the posting. I don't even know you--why would your "feeling badly" affect me in the least? Also, at no time did I suggest you should be "ostracized from the community", and I wholeheartedly agree you deserve a chance to turn your life around----just not at the cost of escaping the consequences of your actions. I did not belittle you personally, I did not attack your character. I addressed your ACTIONS. That, if you think about it, is an appreciable difference.
Regarding your complaint that I provided no legal advice--I suggest you scroll back down and read again.
If you reread my first posting, I explained to you about how deductibles work and that you didn't have to pay them--- and I explained how the court does not "finance" its penalties. I also explained that it would be best for your insurance company to hear the truth from you instead of second hand from the victims. I do believe I answered every question you asked.