It is always sad to learn about motor vehicle crashes that result in the deaths of teenagers. Unfortunately, many such deaths are caused by car accidents that involve alcohol. One such a tragedy recently claimed the lives of two Missouri teens.

Police in Excelsior Springs reportedly pulled over a car with teenage occupants on 291 Highway in the early hours of a recent Monday morning. They were stopped because some of the passengers were reportedly hanging out the windows of the car. Although officers detected a strong smell of alcohol from within the car, the driver passed a field sobriety test and a breath test. They were let off with a warning and continued on their way.

A short while later, the 19-year-old driver — who was reported to have been the designated driver for the night — lost control of the vehicle and smashed into a pole. The car overturned and caught fire. The driver and one of the passengers were killed. Two other passengers were transported to a hospital. One of them reportedly said they were all intoxicated at the time of the accident.

As with other serious Missouri car accidents, personal injury and/or wrongful death claims may be filed in a civil court. In this case, the surviving family of the deceased passenger as well as the injured individuals may pursue financial relief by filing claims against the estate of the deceased driver and any other person who maintained an ownership interest in the car. Documented claims for financial losses may be presented to the court once negligence is established by appropriate proof.

Source: fox4kc.com, “Before fatal crash, Excelsior Springs police stopped car full of teens, gave sobriety test, let teens go“, Molly Balkenbush, June 27, 2016