It’s always unfortunate when someone decides to drive drunk, but it’s all the more unfortunate when those injured are teenagers, because their injuries often follow them as they grow older. A story from KHQ detailed one such accident, where a 63-year-old man is facing charges of vehicular assault after he was driving drunk and struck a car with two teenagers in it on State Route 2 just outside of Davenport on Friday, May 3, 2024.
According to the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the man was driving in the eastbound lane of SR 2 when he collided with the other car in the eastbound lane. The other car was being driven by an 18-year-old who had a 13-year-old passenger. The drunk driver’s car rolled over, and WSP officials say that the man had to be lifted to Sacred Heart Medical Center by helicopter to tend to his injuries.
The two teenagers were also taken to a local hospital with injuries, but their conditions are unknown at this time. WSP says the man is likely to be charged with two counts of vehicular assault.
Do Teenagers Have the Same Legal Rights After a Car Accident?
You never want someone you care about to be in a car accident, let alone one involving a drunk driver. The risks associated with these accidents are fairly well known, but you might be wondering if your teenager or younger child has the same legal rights as you would in one of these accidents.
The answer is yes, they do. This means that you can file an injury claim on their behalf (as long as they’re under 18.)
However, it’s especially important because of the fact that the common injuries that happen in these types of accidents have a tendency to extend well past the initial crash. This means your teen or child could be facing things like:
- Traumatic brain injuries, which impair both physical and emotional function, often resulting in concussions or brain bleeds requiring extensive medical treatment and ongoing care.
- Spinal injuries, which can cause paralysis and damage to spinal discs, leading to chronic pain and nerve damage, requiring surgery and ongoing treatment.
- Damage internal organs, requiring complex treatment and possibly organ transplants, leading to further complications.
- Broken bones in limbs, requiring medical attention and possibly surgery.
- Torn ligaments, tendons, and muscles that often require physical therapy and surgery.
- Burn leading to disfigurement and nerve damage, sometimes requiring reconstructive surgery or causing permanent damage.
Basically, all of the injuries that most anyone faces in a car accident can happen to your teen or child, with the main difference being that their damages could extend forward throughout their life. This makes the legal process and recovery very important.
CCD Law Can Help Davenport Drunk Driving Accident Victims
At CCD Law, our team of car accident lawyers has helped clients since 1948. When you or your children are hurt in a drunk driving accident in Davenport, you can turn to our team for support. We’ll explain your options and then guide you through the claims process, making sure your child has the ability to pursue their legal options to recover from any injuries. This includes filing an injury claim to recover things like:
- Medical expenses and ongoing care needs
- Lost future income or earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering
- Wrongful death expenses
Don’t wait–contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.
