When teenagers first receive their license, they may feel a sense of freedom and excitement from the ability to drive around on their own. This newfound independence also brings about serious consequences if the new driver breaks Colorado driving laws. A teenage driver is just as responsible for his or her actions as an adult on the road. Disobeying any of the laws could cause serious injuries or a fatal accident.
One recent fatal accident could show this danger in a tragic light. Around 2 a.m., a teenage driver and his friends were traveling along a residential road when he lost control of his vehicle. His car smashed into a parked van and ultimately stopped in a person’s yard. Due to the commotion of the crash, some local residents woke up and came out to aid the boys.
The 14-year-old boy who was sitting in the backseat died in the crash. The 16-year-old driver and the two other passengers suffered injuries from the accident. All three of them were taken to a local medical facility to be treated.
According to police, the speed limit was 25 mph and the driver was believed to have been traveling at approximately 72 mph at the time of the fatal accident. The driver was also believed to have been in violation of Colorado teen driving laws because he had too many passengers in his vehicle and he was on the road during prohibited hours. If the teen driver is found to have been negligent according to the law, the families of the boys may file a claim against the driver as well as the owner of the vehicle. In a successfully navigated claim, the families of the injured may receive compensation for the incurred medical expenses and suffering. The family of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit in a civil court seeking financial restitution for any end-of-life expenses.
Source: KDVR.com, “Fort Lupton crash kills one teenager, injures 3 other teens“, Heather Mills, June 3, 2014
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