Fatal Crash Results in Criminal Charges

 Posted on January 26, 2014 in Personal Injury

Car accidents can be caused by any number of factors, from dangerous weather-related conditions on the roadways to distracted drivers and anything in between. Usually, in the event of a car crash, especially those involving significant damages or injuries to car occupants, a host of third parties become involved, including insurance companies, attorneys, and law enforcement. However, the most serious crashes involving significant injury or death can result in not only civil lawsuits, but in criminal liability.

A recent crash reported by The Southern Illinoisan will result in criminal charges for a teen from Carmi. The driver and several teen passengers were involved in an accident early Tuesday morning in White County in which one of the occupants died. The crash occurred on White County Road when the vehicle left the roadway and flipped on its side into a ditch along the side. The victim, also from Carmi, was partially thrown from the car, and was pronounced deceased at the location of the crash. It was reported that none of the vehicle's occupants were wearing seat belts. The driver and the other passengers were moved to Fairfield Memorial Hospital to receive medical attention for the injuries they sustained in the crash. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.

Illinois State Police have charged both the driver and the surviving passengers with numerous criminal charges. The driver has been charged with DUI, driving while his license was suspended, illegal consumption of alcohol (because he is a minor), supplying alcohol to people under 21 years of age, and resisting the officers. He was being held at White county Jail. The remaining passengers in the vehicle were also charged with illegal consumption of alcohol, as they were all minors as well. Police say that other charges are being considered.

This case involves a series of traumatic events. Not only is it gravely unfortunate that a young person lost their life, but another teen will be forced to face the consequences of a series of poor decisions for the rest of his life. Cases such as this will surely have far-reaching and broad legal effects. The circumstances obviously support the filing of criminal charges, but there is also the issue of civil liability, which is likely to be addressed later in time. These facts may support a case for wrongful death, in addition to other causes of action based on the driver's negligence and recklessness.