The surviving family of a 19-year-old man killed in a car accident in Syracuse, New York, has learned that the driver of the other vehicle was a repeat drunk driving offender. Syracuse police reported that the 38-year-old male driver of the 2002 Chevrolet Silverado that hit the young man’s car was under the influence at the time of the accident on Hiawatha Boulevard West.
A year earlier, records show that the same man had been charged with a felony DWI and driving with a 0.08 blood alcohol count. He now faces new charges that include first-degree vehicular manslaughter and first-degree vehicular assault.
The accident that claimed the young man’s life happened at about 9:25 p.m. as the victim left a mall parking lot with his 18-year-old girlfriend. Their 2002 Toyota Camry was struck by the drunk driver and then a third car was involved. The girlfriend and the passengers of the third car were injured, according to police reports.
The victim had been expected to graduate from Herkimer Community College in May. He is survived by his parents and 17-year-old brother.
When accidents like this one occur, survivors might experience hardships like medical expenses, funeral expenses and lost income. People injured in a car accident sometimes consult with a lawyer about the potential of making a personal injury civil lawsuit. Accident investigations that document the presence of a drunk driver might provide enough evidence to support a successful personal injury claim. A lawyer might be able to help injured people assert their rights to compensation from either insurance companies or individuals.
Source: Syracuse.com, Teen killed in DWI crash outside Destiny USA was about to graduate college
