Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Driver in Fatal Auto Accident
The death of a 19-year-old teen that was killed in an automobile accident last year has resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. The driver, who was 17 years of age at the time of the accident was charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault, elevated aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon, and aggravated driving. The accident originally occurred in October when the driver was traveling in a northbound lane and lost control of her vehicle colliding into some trees.
Two other passengers in the vehicle were injured in the accident as well. The driver and the owner of the vehicle are both named as defendants in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the 19-year-old victim’s family that alleges the 17-year-old was negligent which caused the victim’s death. The lawsuit is seeking an undisclosed amount in damages for wrongful death, attorneys’ fees, and for the victim’s suffering. Authorities stated high speeds were the main factor that led to the accident. A trial date has yet to be set for the wrongful death suit.
Since high speed was a main factor in this accident, it could be used against the driver in this wrongful death lawsuit. Other outside factors may have also contributed to the accident as well. Investigators could need to rule out factors such as road conditions, the condition of the vehicle, and several other factors to determine the driver’s accountability in the accident. The driver’s age may also need to be taken into account to determine the penalties that could be applied based on the charges against her.
If an investigation and trial finds that no other factors besides high speed contributed to the accident, it would demonstrate that this accident could easily have been avoided. Driving at or under the speed limit can easily prevent an accident from occurring. While it does not necessarily guarantee that it will prevent an accident, the chances of an accident actually occurring are much smaller. If high speeds were the only factor that contributed to this accident, the driver should be held accountable for the victim’s death and the victim’s family deserves compensation for their pain and loss.
