Even the most minor car accidents can be stressful events. If an auto accident results in catastrophic injuries, this makes the situation all the more difficult, especially if the cause of the accident was a negligent driver. Distracted drivers, drunk drivers and reckless drivers can face serious consequences for their actions, and the people they harm can suffer life-long complications or worse.
An accident that occurred on Long Island back in October that claimed four lives is such an example. A 17-year-old male from Queens has now been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and second-degree manslaughter for his alleged role in a car accident in which four of his friends were killed. He also faces several other charges. The charges were brought against the teen when he tested positive for marijuana. If convicted, he could face 25 years in prison.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours on the Southern State Parkway. According to the prosecutor, the teen was allegedly going more than 110 mph when he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a group of trees. The teen’s attorney has stated the teen will fight the charges, and he has entered a not guilty plea.
In addition to the teen being charged for the deaths of two 18 year olds and a 17 year old, the teen’s parents were charged with unlicensed operation of a vehicle. The teen only had a learner’s permit, which in New York means he shouldn’t have even been driving in the overnight hours with just his friends in the car. The boy’s parents could ultimately be held liable for their carelessness.
A tragic case such as this leaves many grieving people in its wake. Although no settlement will bring back the car accident victims, surviving family members have the right to learn what, if any, compensation they might be entitled to for funeral and medical expenses, or any other expenses related to the unfortunate incident.
Source: Associated Press, “Teen charged with felonies after 4 die in NY crash,” Nov. 16, 2012