A single-vehicle auto accident claimed the life of one teenager on Saturday, and the driver has been charged with driving under the influence. The crash happened at around 4:47 a.m. in West Chester, Ohio. According to the West Chester Police Department, 18-year-old Tristan Lacey was operating a vehicle on Beckett Ridge Dr. when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a tree near the Beckett Ridge Golf Club. A teenage passenger, Mark Valentine, was transported by ambulance to the hospital where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Lacey and another passenger were not injured in the accident. Lacey’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit and he has been arrested and charged with DUI in connection with a death and aggravated vehicular homicide. Valentine was a high school senior.
Teen drivers are involved in more auto accidents than any other age group and it is often contributed to a lack of experience. In fact, auto accidents are the leading cause of death amongst teens aged 16 to 19. Teens also have a high rate of being involved in DUI accidents. According to Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, one in six teens consume alcohol and 8 teens are killed in DUI accidents every day. If a teen driver has caused an accident in which you were injured or your loved one was killed, it is imperative to consult an experienced DUI accident attorney.
The car accident lawyers at Meyerkord & Kurth have handled thousands of accident cases. Our attorneys know that the aftermath of an auto accident can be devastating depending on the results. Regardless of the severity of the crash, the task of attempting to recover compensation for your damages can be daunting. Contact our office to allow us to handle your case and fight to recover the maximum compensation available.