Losing a loved one in a car accident is one of the most harrowing experiences a person can undergo. Understandably, a plethora of emotions may arise following such an incident. Sometimes, a family member may be enraged if it is found that the other party involved was drunk and got behind the wheel. Drunk driving is one of the most reckless actions a person can take, and every year many are tragically injured or killed as the result of an accident with a drunk driver.
Tragically, a young New Mexico man was recently killed in a car accident with a suspected drunk driver. According to reports, the victim was 19 years old. He was also a top student and a star athlete. Reports say the victim had just completed his first semester at the University of New Mexico, where he was studying mechanical engineering with a full academic scholarship. He had previously been the star of his high school football team.
The suspected drunk driver, a 34-year-old man, crossed into oncoming traffic the night of the accident. As a result, his vehicle slammed head on into the victim’s car. The suspected drunk driver was rushed to the hospital and treated for serious injuries. The student, tragically, did not survive the accident.
After a car crash, the loved ones of victims may be at a loss as to how to proceed. The complex emotions that so often arise can make it difficult for loved ones to know where to turn. Thankfully, attorneys are available to help loved ones make decisions, such as whether or not to pursue legal action. In some cases, legal action can help families get the compensation they need to achieve financial peace of mind while they heal emotionally.
Source: KOAT, “Star athlete, UNM student killed by suspected drunk driver,” Sandra Ramirez, January 11, 2016