Connecticut residents are likely aware that summer vacation means sharing the roads with a large number of teen drivers. Most parents do their best to prepare young drivers, and drivers’ education courses stress the importance of obeying traffic laws and driving in a safe and courteous manner. On some occasions, however, teens choose to disregard the laws and chase an adrenaline rush by racing illegally on the streets. This behavior is a frightening scenario that can lead to a fatal accident.
In April, a 19-year-old male driver chose to risk life and limb by racing another car as he traveled south on River Road in Shelton. His vehicle rammed into a car headed north. The young driver had a car full of passengers, including an 18-year-old, a 19-year-old and the driver’s 23-year-old wife, who was carrying an unborn child at the time. His wife, unborn child, and one passenger all died as a result. The fourth passenger and the occupants of the vehicle he struck also suffered injuries.
Upon investigation, police learned that the crash was a result of a street race. They have made two arrests in connection with the incident, the second of which was the 19-year-old male driver. He has been charged with several serious crimes, including multiple counts of manslaughter, homicide, assault, and illegal racing. In addition to facing charges for the deaths of his friends and family members and the injuries suffered by those who survived, the driver himself was also seriously injured in the accident.
When the dust clears after a fatal accident, victims and their families may be at a loss for what to do next. In addition to the shock and grief that results from the loss of a loved one, survivors must find a way to take care of serious matters related to the accident, such as medical bills, funeral expenses, legal cases, and physical and emotional recovery. Victims and their families may feel an overwhelming sense of anger because they have suffered great loss at the hands of a person who chose to disobey the laws meant to keep people safe. In many cases in Connecticut, it can be helpful to chose an experienced attorney that may be able to assist victims and their families as they make decisions about how to attempt to recover and seek justice for victims.
