Man, 21, claims responsibility for fatal car accident

Massachusetts police in Springfield report that they arrived at an accident scene and were greeted by a man asking to be taken into custody. According to the report, the man stated that he just caused a fatal car accident that killed a passenger in the car. However, he purportedly attempted to run once they began to investigate.

The wreck that killed the 22-year-old passenger was apparently caused when the 21-year-old driver somehow lost control of his vehicle. The car then crashed into a telephone pole and a steel post supporting a sign for a local college gym. The vehicle then ended up on a neighborhood lawn.

The passenger wound up trapped underneath the car. When Springfield police officers arrived, they discovered passers-by attempting to free the deceased victim. At that time, the driver appealed to law enforcement to arrest him for causing the death of his best friend. Police reported that the man appeared to be intoxicated and that the passenger compartment of the vehicle contained several containers of alcoholic beverages.

The man was charged with vehicular homicide while intoxicated in connection with this fatal car accident. He will now have to defend himself in criminal court concerning the death of his friend. Even though Massachusetts criminal charges have been filed, the surviving family of the deceased victim may also elect to initiate a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the driver. While no monetary judgment in their favor can restore their loved one, any compensation achieved may ease the financial damages they likely sustained after such a tragic and senseless loss.

Source: wwlp.com, “Driver arrested for Roosevelt Ave. crash that killed friend”, Anthony Fay, Oct. 20, 2014