Car accidents are scary in the best of situations, but when death is involved, they can be particularly devastating. This was the case with a teenager who was killed as a passenger in a vehicle with a driver who authorities believe was driving under the influence when the accident happened.
Driver and seven passengers involved in accident
According to The Telegraph, the driver was a 21-year-old male who struck a concrete barrier after failing to navigate a ramp onto the highway. He was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, while the 16-year-old female passenger died on the scene. A cheerleader at the local high school, the girl was mourned by a large majority of the community and a statement was made by the administration at her high school.
Authorities have charged the driver with first-degree vehicular homicide, failure to maintain lane and driving under the influence. His identity has not been released. Two other passengers were taken to a hospital with injuries, and there were seven total passengers in the vehicle when the accident happened.
Criminal cases add momentum to civil cases
The passenger’s family may be eligible for a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle, particularly because he was under the influence. In this situation, if the driver was insured, a civil case may be filed against the insurance company of the driver. These cases may result in the family receiving monetary compensation for funeral costs, emotional damages and other losses, although each case is unique and requires a thorough study.