Community members have rallied after a fatal accident that killed a 13-year-old Texas boy. The drunk driving accident occurred in mid-January, when an alleged intoxicated driver smashed into the victim’s vehicle. The 32-year-old driver was reportedly speeding when he struck an SUV in which the victim was riding. The boy’s mother and sister were also in the vehicle at the time of the wreck. The driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter in connection with the wreck.
Authorities say that the victim’s sister suffered serious injuries, as well. That 15-year-old’s neck and spine were broken, and she suffered serious head trauma and broken bones, along with other internal injuries. Neither of the teens were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. The girl, a basketball player at the local high school near El Paso, has seen an outpouring of support. Even members of opposing teams have visited her in the hospital.
Relatives of the decedent said the teen was good at making other people laugh. They also told reporters that the child touched others’ hearts because of his personality. Family members described the child as being full of positive memories, as well. They say they often hear about drunk driving accidents in the area, but they never thought their family members would be directly affected.
The victims in this case may be able to recover financial damages from the at-fault driver. Clients who have been injured by others’ negligence deserve financial compensation. That money can be used to pay for burial costs, funeral expenses, medical bills and a variety of other civil claims. Victims who have been injured or suffered the loss of a loved one in a drunk driving accident may benefit from consulting a qualified Texas attorney.
Source: KFOX TV, “Hundreds attend vigil for teen killed in by alleged drunken driver” Bill Melugin, Jan. 20, 2014