Teen Charged with Vehicular Homicide for Fatal 2017 Crash

A teen driver involved in a 2017 Long Island crash that resulted in the deaths of two passengers was recently charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and driving while under the influence of drugs.

David O’Brien, now 18, was allegedly high on marijuana and Xanax at the time of the accident, which occurred on October 9, 2017 at approximately 5 a.m. He was reportedly speeding along North Wellwood Avenue and lost control of his vehicle, slamming into a tree near the intersection of North Wellwood and Lenox Street in Lindenhurst.

The victims were a 16-year-old male passenger, who was pronounced dead at the scene, and a 24-year-old female passenger, who died from her injuries while being treated at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip. O’Brien also suffered injuries, as did a 16-year-old male passenger who was in the backseat. Police say O’Brien was driving more than 50 miles per hour in a 30 MPH zone.

Criminal charges may come in addition to civil actions

Just because the man who caused the accident will now be going through the criminal process does not mean the victims and their families cannot also file personal injury or wrongful death claims against him. The families of the deceased victims, for example, could seek compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit to help cover medical costs, funeral and burial expenses and pain and suffering damages on behalf of their loved ones.

For further guidance on how to proceed with a personal injury claim after a serious accident, speak with an experienced auto accident lawyer at Jakubowski, Robertson, Maffei, Goldsmith & Tartaglia, LLP.