West Virginia man sentenced after pleading guilty to crash that almost killed another driver

WELLSBURG, W.Va. — WELLSBURG, W.Va. — A Bethany man was sentenced to serve two-10 years in jail and pay a $1,000 fine after a 2022 accident involving multiple vehicles and left a woman with severe injuries.

Daniel C. Walden, 39, was sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to driving under the influence, resulting in serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of an accident with vehicle damage.

According to media partner Herald-Star , on April 24, 2022, Walden sideswiped a vehicle occupied by a woman and her two children, then drove away and swerved into the opposing lane while traveling state Route 67, striking a vehicle head-on.

The driver of the third vehicle was left with severe injuries, including a crushed pelvis and detached aorta. Brooke County Prosecutor Joseph Barki told the news outlet that it was a miracle that the woman survived, though she continues to deal with her injuries.

It is reported that before sentencing, Walden’s mother testified to the court that her son has worked to overcome drug addiction and has a strong support system as well as children and others who depend on him.

Herald Star says the court also heard from the victim’s adult daughter, who testified that before the accident, her mother was active and independent but now relies on a cane or walker and others’ help.

According to the news outlet, Walden apologized for his actions, tearing up while doing so. He said that no words could describe the amount of guilt he experiences every day.

Walden’s attorney, Robert McCoid, had sought a lighter sentence, noting that the penalty of driving under the influence resulting in serious bodily injury is the same as malicious assault. He argued that malicious assault involves deliberate intent and that Walden’s charge centers around an accident.

According to Herald-Star, Barki disagreed with the argument, countering that he didn’t see the accident as a simple act of negligence. He said Walden decided to drive while under the influence of a controlled substance.

Barki told the court that the case was a prime example of why driving drunk or high is such a serious crime because it is what can happen every time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTRF.