Father of victim files wrongful death suit in DUI crash

By Erik Ricasa

Published on July 22, 2005

Robert Finnerty filed suit against Richard Zuba, accusing him of careless and reckless behavior while driving at a high rate of speed and under the influence of alcohol. A state police report said Zuba was driving between 90 and 98 miles per hour and had a blood alcohol level of 0.16 when his car struck that of Dena Marie Finnerty from the rear, forcing into a rock embankment.

Amy Soska, a passenger in Finnerty's car, suffered multiple injuries. She has also filed suit against Zuma, who faces a preliminary hearing on criminal charges later this month.

Finnerty's suit alleges Zuma should have realized he was too impaired to drive and, having chosen to do so, acted in reckless disregard of others. He is seeking $150,000 for hospital and burial costs and his daughter's lost potential income.

Soska's suit alleges she suffers severe physical and mental pain, discomfort and inconvenience from injuries caused by the crash. She is seeking $75,000.

Zuba's attorney filed a petition claiming that his client's conduct was not reckless the night of the crash.

Comment on this article →