A jury in Monroe County, Pennsylvania is set to begin deliberating in the vehicular homicide trial of a man accused of causing the 2008 car crash that killed Pennsylvania Senator James Rhoades.

According to court documents, 46 year-old Thomas Senavitis, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, is accused for driving drunk and causing the two-vehicle crash that fatally injured Senator James Rhoades on October 17, 2008. Monroe County Assistant District Attorney, Colleen Mancuso, told jurors in her closing argument that Senavitis had a blood-alcohol level more than four times the legal limit when crossed into oncoming traffic lanes and struck Rhoades’ vehicle.

Defense attorney Wes Niemoczynski, representing Senavitis’, argued that Senator Rhoades was at fault in the crash. Niemoczynski said the lawmaker veered into the defendant’s lane to avoid a minivan parked on the side of the road. He also disputed the reliablity of the blood test performed on Senavitis.

The fatal car wreck occurred on Route 209 in Chestnuthill Township.

The dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs have been known for decades, yet efforts to crack down on this problem are relatively new. Despite the hard work of law enforcement agents and activist groups such as MADD, drunk driving remains a serious danger on our roads. In Pennsylvania alone, drunk driving killed 1,517 people in 2006.

Pennsylvania law has serious penalties for people who drive under chemical influence, especially if they injure another person. Unfortunately, they do not do much to help the victims of these negligent drivers. While it may be satisfying to see drunk drivers punished with fines or jail time, their victims can be left with serious problems.

The Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. are committed to helping victims of drunk drivers seek justice in court. Please call 215-329-3511 for a professional and realistic evaluation of your case.