Driving while impaired by an intoxicating substance often leads to serious consequences. Car accidents ranging in severity of damage frequently occur after partaking of any mind-altering drug. These types of car accidents not only cause damage to the vehicles involved, but can result in serious injury or death to drivers, passengers and others nearby. A Colorado teenager will be heading to trial after accusations that he killed two people while he was behind the wheel.
According to police reports, the teen hit the back end of a car that had been stopped while waiting for a traffic light to change. The driver and passenger of the rear-ended car were listed in critical condition at a local medical facility. However, both died a few days later after the life support machines that had been keeping each alive were removed.
At the time of the wreck, the young man told police he had been smoking marijuana several hours before and was hurrying to make it home before his curfew. Police charged him with several offenses, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving and driving under the influence of drugs. In a recent court appearance, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
Even if he is not found guilty in criminal court, the families of the two victims may decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the teen in civil court. Monies received from successfully presented lawsuits can help in paying medical, funeral and other costs incurred as a result of car accidents. Colorado residents who have had loved ones injured or killed from a similar accident have every right to seek assistance from an experienced personal injury attorney.
Source: dailycamera.com, “Boulder teen waives preliminary hearing in vehicular homicide, DUI case“, Mitchell Byars, Aug. 12, 2016