The inexperience of young drivers can cause many Georgia parents a certain amount of trepidation when their children get behind the wheel of a car. Where many experienced drivers are aware of the potential dangers of driving, young drivers might not yet understand all of the risks. For two sisters and a friend, the lack of experience on the part of the 18-year-old driver may have contributed to the car accident that changed all their lives forever.
The 16-year-old high school sophomore in the front seat was killed when the Mustang inexplicably left the road. The young man driving the car over-corrected when he attempted to get the car back on the road, and the car crashed into a tree along the passenger side. The rear passenger, the front passenger’s 13-year-old sister, suffered serious injuries from the crash.
The young girl was transported to a local hospital to be treated for a serious head injury and internal bleeding. Both of her legs were also broken in the wreck. The driver suffered only a concussion from the accident and was released after treatment. The Georgia State Patrol took over the investigation from Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Department and have found no evidence of contributing factors such as the speed at which the man was driving at this time.
Georgia prosecutors have not filed any charges thus far regarding the death of the front seat passenger and injury of the rear passenger. If possible, the family of the deceased passenger may wish to file a wrongful death claim against the driver to help reduce the financial burden associated with their loss such as funeral and burial costs. Further, the surviving sister could have a long and difficult recovery ahead of her. Medical expenses and other costs to the family could place additional burdens on the family. For this reason, her family might also consider filing a personal injury claim seeking restitution for the injuries she suffered in the car accident.
Source: thedahloneganugget.com, Tragic accident claims teen s life>, John Bynum, Jan. 22, 2014
