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Drugs, Drinking Factors in Fatal New York Car Accident

On Behalf of | Sep 7, 2012 | Car Accidents

Some mistakes last a lifetime. Unfortunately, one teen’s recent mistakes also took the life of two passengers in his car. A 17-year-old Long Island teenager is facing an aggravated vehicular homicide charge following a deadly car accident.

The driver was apparently bringing the two victims home after a night at a friend’s house. Prosecutors say that the teen was aware of his drunkenness but that he didn’t worry about driving because he only lived a block away. However, within that one block he lost control of the car and went off the road, colliding with several trees and a fence. The two teenage passengers were killed in the accident, although the driver suffered only minor injuries.

Originally charged with drunk driving, prosecutors upgraded the charges after looking at toxicology reports. In addition to a blood alcohol content of .14 percent, tests showed the presence of marijuana. The boy’s attorney claims he was wrongfully accused but has not yet presented any evidence as to whether someone else was driving or not.

In addition to the criminal charges mentioned above, the teenager might also face a civil lawsuit from the families or personal representatives of the victims. The boy’s statements paint a clear picture of the kind of negligent or reckless behavior that leads to drunk driving accidents and deaths. In accidents of this nature, families of the victims can bring a wrongful death claim to recover compensation from the negligent party. Damages may include money for pain and suffering endured by the victims prior to death.

Anyone injured in similar accidents can also recover damages if it is proven that that negligence or misconduct caused the injury. Personal injury damages may include compensation for medical expenses and bills and to replace lost wages if the injured person is unable to work.

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