A 17-year-old driver accused of causing a recent crash in Black Forest that killed two other teenagers is facing criminal charges. On Sept. 5, a judge decided that the 17-year-old driver will be tried as a juvenile after speculation that he might be tried as an adult.
According to authorities, the accident occurred near Hodgen Road, where the driver traveled past a stop sign at approximately 80 miles per hour and without stopping. The car apparently went airborne after striking a bump in the road at speed, bounced twice, spun out of control, barreled through a fence and crashed into a tree, officials stated. A 17-year-old passenger and an 18-year-old passenger died at the scene of the accident. Another 17-year-old passenger suffered injuries in the wreck and is receiving treatment at a hospital, authorities reported. One of the teens was ejected from the vehicle during the incident, officials said.
According to the Colorado State Police, evidence collected by investigators assigned to this case indicates that all four teens had alcohol in their systems at the time of the accident. It was not immediately clear how the teens obtained alcohol, but officials indicated that the adult responsible for furnishing the teenagers with alcohol may face criminal charges in connection with the accident.
Fatal motor vehicle accidents may give rise to civil action in the event that investigations yield evidence that reveals negligence or recklessness contributed to the accident. For example, when a preponderance of evidence stemming from a deadly crash indicates that a drunk driver caused the event, the deceased accident victims’ families may retain a lawyer and file wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver.
In this way, bereaved family members may seek restitution for end-of-life expenses related to the fatal accident. If successful, claimants in a wrongful death suit might also be awarded financial compensation for lost earnings associated with their loved one’s death.
Source: KKTV, “New Details In Deadly Black Forest Crash”, Danielle Kreutter, September 05, 2014