An incredibly poor decision to get behind the wheel drunk – underage, mind you – has resulted in the death of the 18-year-old passenger, and driving under the influence (DUI) and manslaughter charges for the 19-year-old driver.
How it Happened
The incident occurred August 11 in Cordova. The two young men were on their way from a boat moored at Cordova’s Small Boat Harbor to a Shelter Cove public sauna.
On their way, the driver struck a utility pole, snapping it in half and destroying the truck.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the driver yelling for someone to help his unconscious passenger, who eventually lost his life after being taken to the Cordova Community Medical Center.
Officers were initially unable to determine how fast the truck was going but feel certain it was well beyond the posted speed limit of 30 mph.
The driver told officers he drank three beers, and a breath sample showed an alcohol content of .105; the legal limit for driving in Alaska is .08.
Additional Charges
While the driver was first charged with suspicion of DUI, he was eventually charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and DUI. He was also charged with misconduct involving weapons after officers found a .357 revolver in the truck.
Understanding the Impact on the Family After a Death of a Child
For a family who has lost a child – regardless of age – the effect is most often one of absolute devastation. While we’re all different and react as such, many parents who have experienced the loss of a child often report waves of grief, and relive the traumatic events that led to the injury.
From anniversaries of the passing and important dates like the child’s birthday, recurring waves of grief can go on for years.
When the death is caused by negligence, as in the case described above, feelings of intense anger are common. Parents facing this type of circumstance often need professional help through counseling or therapy.
Has Your Family Experienced Wrongful Death?
Call Barber & Associates, LLC
No study or research can accurately describe the absolute devastation experienced by parents, siblings and other relatives when a family member is lost due to the neglect and carelessness of someone else.
While nothing can fill the void, legal representatives of the victim do have the right to seek compensation. The most common grounds for wrongful death lawsuits include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Dog or animal bites
The surviving family members have more than enough to worry about, so it’s important to remember that wrongful death lawsuits can be highly effective in recovering:
- Loss of contribution of support for family members
- Loss of association
- Loss of prospective education
- Medical expenses
- Funeral expenses
Get in touch with us here at Barber & Associates, LLC. We’re one of Alaska’s leading wrongful death firms and have a strong reputation for representing the families of victims of all types of fatal accidents.
Our number is 907-276-5858 or you can reach us via email.