Florida Car Wreck Kills Two Teens Who Were Served Alcohol Illegally
A 51-year old Florida woman has been charged with two counts of manslaughter in connection with a single-car wreck that killed two Jacksonville area teens last January. According to an article, a St. Johns County grand jury looked at the evidence in the case before deciding on the charges against the female driver. She is charged with allowing alcohol and drugs to be served at several parties she hosted at her house between September 26 and January 12. Minors consumed not only alcohol but marijuana and nitrous oxide and police say the 51 year old woman sometimes participated.
It’s believed that alcohol contributed to the car crash in Florida that took the lives of 18-year-old and 17-year-old. Early in the morning of January 12, the Thunderbird they were in was traveling along State Road 13 when it hit a guardrail and drove into a stand of trees where the car caught fire. The victims had to be identified by dental records. One of the victims’ blood alcohol measured at .18, twice the legal limit and the other teen’s BAC was .097, above the legal limit for intoxication.
The charged woman’s action led directly to the deaths, says the charging affidavit, as the teens were leaving her residence.
Florida law is clear: Statute 562.11 says it is illegal to sell, give or serve alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. You may be civilly liable for any injuries, accidents or deaths that occur on the property used for the party. A social host becomes liable just as if they were serving alcohol to a minor at a bar under Florida’s Dram Shop Act. The woman and her husband, or the other property owner, are liable for any deaths, injuries, and property damage caused by the underage drinkers who consumed alcohol on her property.
Our skilled Jacksonville personal injury lawyers are knowledgeable about the Dram Shop Act and we have pursued actions against bars, restaurants, and any establishment that sell liquor to minors. If you suspect that your auto accident was caused by someone who had been served in violation of the Dram Shop Act, you may have an action and are welcome to contact our accident attorneys.
Hopefully these charges send a clear message to any parent who thinks consuming alcohol at home is a good idea. Our condolences go out the families of these two young people.
