Most of the time, when a person drives drunk, they face the legal consequences of their actions. In some situations, however, such as when an accident occurs, the person or establishment that served or allowed them to have the alcohol, or anyone who knowingly let them drive while intoxicated, may also be held liable.
In the wake of a single-car accident that took the life of a 17-year-old girl in Glastonbury in July, three other teens are reportedly facing criminal charges. According to reports, on the night of the fatal car crash, the girl had a blood alcohol content of .27. It was reported that she crashed into a tree within a half a mile of where she began driving. Authorities reportedly claim that although the two teen boys who were arrested were not in the car at the time of the crash, they are culpable because they knew that she was far too intoxicated to drive. The third teen, a girl, has been charged for allowing underage drinking at parties she purportedly threw.
In addition to the criminal charges, the parents of the teen who was killed could choose to file a civil lawsuit for wrongful death against the other teens. Litigation of this type will often seek financial compensation for pain and suffering and funeral costs, among other damages.
Anyone who has suffered the loss of a loved one in an accident, whether a car crash or some other type, may consider consulting with an attorney to discuss taking legal action. A lawyer will be able to offer advice based on the specific circumstances of the case, as well as answer any other questions they may have.
