Some Virginia teenagers believe that since they obtained a driver‘s license, they know how to drive. However, many do not possess enough skill to understand how a vehicle reacts under certain circumstances. Unfortunately, their inexperience and overconfidence can lead to devastating consequences if a car crash results.
A 17-year-old driver reportedly found this out the hard way. He was the driver of a vehicle involved in a rollover crash on Jan. 20 at about 10:30 p.m. Details regarding how the accident occurred were not immediately available. However, authorities believe that the young driver was driving too fast.
The driver suffered non-life threatening injuries. Emergency responders transported him to an area hospital for treatment. His current condition is unknown.
The 15-year-old passenger in the vehicle was ejected during the crash. Despite the fact that she was taken to University of Virginia medical center, she succumbed to her injuries. Hospital staff had the unenviable task of confirming the girl’s death.
Investigators are still conducting the investigation into this accident. It is possible that the driver could end up facing criminal charges depending on what police document during the investigation. In the meantime, the girl’s family is dealing with the fact they will never know the woman she would have become if she had lived.
Her family may exercise their right to file a wrongful death claim seeking financial relief for the damages incurred because of the car crash. Any award they may receive because of a successfully litigated civil action pales in comparison to their loss. However, dealing on their own with the financial burdens that accompany such tragedies would only serve as a reminder of their loss and put further strain on the family.
Source: wset.com, Teenagers Injured After Rollover Accident, No author, Jan. 21, 2014