In August of 2024, an 18-year-old crashed his Tesla in West Windsor Township – killing his 18-year-old passenger. In September, authorities filed criminal charges against the teen – and the investigation has uncovered several important details so far. Although criminal charges can help families achieve a sense of justice, they fail to cover losses like funeral expenses, missed income, and unpaid medical bills. For a greater sense of closure and compensation, grieving families might want to consider a wrongful death lawsuit. After a fatal accident, families can learn more during consultations with experienced auto accident lawyers in New Jersey.
Tesla-Driving Teen Faces Numerous Felonies After His Passenger Dies
In September of 2024, authorities announced criminal charges for a teenager accused of killing his passenger while driving a Tesla in West Windsor. The local police and the Mercer County Prosecutor stated that the 18-year-old driver now faces several charges, including manslaughter, death by auto, vehicular homicide, and possession of a false government document.
The crash occurred in August of 2024. West Windsor police arrived at the scene and discovered the aftermath of a severe Tesla crash on Lanwin Boulevard. They quickly concluded that the EV had veered off the road before colliding with a tree. This impact caused catastrophic damage to the passenger side of the vehicle – and this is where the 18-year-old passenger was sitting.
Officers tried to render first aid to the occupants while they were still inside the wrecked vehicle. When they were extricated by first responders, both were transported to a nearby hospital with critical injuries. The passenger then survived in hospital for four days before ultimately dying of his wounds.
Authorities spent the next few weeks gathering information about the crash. Traffic officers, detectives, and the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office ultimately determined that the driver was under the influence of alcohol before the crash, and he recorded a BAC level of 0.125%. In addition, investigators determined that the driver had a fraudulent driver’s license that misrepresented his true age.
Finally, investigators determined that the Tesla was traveling at 78 miles per hour in the moments prior to the crash. This is despite the fact that the area of the crash had a speed limit of just 35 miles per hour.
Although all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in New Jersey, the evidence laid against the driver seems difficult to refute. Not only did he record a BAC level well over the legal limit, but he also drove with a fraudulent license. In addition, he went much faster than the speed limit. When viewed together, these crimes paint a very clear picture of negligence and recklessness.
Could This Result in a Wrongful Death Claim?
Accidents like this could potentially lead to wrongful death claims in New Jersey. In order to successfully pursue a wrongful death claim, you must prove that your loved one was killed by some kind of negligent behavior. Driving with a forged license and breaking the speed limit while heavily intoxicated certainly meets the definition of “negligence.”
The question is whether suing the teen will result in any compensation. Teenagers generally have few assets of their own, and their ability to cover the damages of a grieving family may be limited. On the other hand, it could be possible to hold their parents liable – especially if the parents gave their teen permission to drive the vehicle while knowing they lacked a valid license.
Of course, other parties could be liable for fatal crashes. In the context of a Tesla crash, an obvious question is whether the self-driving “Autopilot” software was active at the time of the crash. Intoxicated individuals often use this self-driving software while attempting to get home safely – but they may face serious hazards when this feature malfunctions.
Ultimately, each wrongful death lawsuit is different – and families should discuss their options alongside personal injury lawyers when determining who might be liable.
Can a New Jersey Auto Accident Lawyer Help Me File a Wrongful Death Claim?
If a fatal accident like this has caused the death of your loved one, consider a consultation with an experienced wrongful death attorney in New Jersey. These legal professionals can guide your family toward compensation, closure, and justice. If you know for a fact that your loved one’s death was caused by someone else’s negligence, you can hold them accountable. A civil lawsuit may provide compensation for unpaid hospital bills, emotional distress, funeral expenses, and other damage. Reach out to Lependorf & Silverstein today to learn more about your legal options.
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