Carmel Teens Perish in Car Wreck

A tragic car accident in Carmel, Indiana on Friday night, April 9. A driver apparently refused to pull over when a police officer tried to stop him for speeding. He led the officer on a brief, high-speed chase, and then lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a utility pole, causing the car to catch fire. Two 15-year-old passengers were pronounced dead at the scene. The 15-year-old driver, who obviously had no business being behind the wheel, suffered non-life-threatening burns. The accident is still under investigation, and it remains to be determined the criminal charges, if any, that will be filed against the driver. Apparently the pursuit procedures involved are also being looked into. Our hearts go out to all the families involved in this horrible incident.

It’s been said by someone that an automobile is like a 2,000 pound bullet, which might be especially true in the case of an underage and/or inexperienced driver. As we have discussed previously, the criminal and civil justice system works on a parallel track in similar events of this nature. Prosecutors will attempt to impose whatever sanctions against a driver that might be called for under criminal law. The civil justice system ensures that Hoosier families who are injured on the roads receive fair monetary compensation from the responsible party or parties.

If you or a loved one have been seriously hurt in an accident on Indiana roads owing to the actions of a reckless or negligent driver, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Young and Young in Indianapolis to obtain full information about your legal rights to recover money damages in civil court.