Texas drivers understand that dangers exist on the roadway. Some of those dangers are associated to young drivers. This is often due to their inexperience, desire to travel at fast speeds and distractive activities such as texting while driving. Teen drivers are often in the media for driving recklessly and causing tragic accidents, which are often due to these dangerous activities or habits.

One Texas teen recently caused a car accident that left four people dead and nine others injured. The 16-year-old was driving a pickup truck with seven passengers when he crashed into a SUV with a flat tire. The driver of the SUV was killed along with three people who were assisting her with the flat tire.

The boy’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit for people over 21, which is .08 in the state of Texas. He had two prior alcohol violations in February for possession and consumption of alcohol as a minor. In those cases, he pled no contest.

Preliminary reports indicated that the teen was also traveling at a speed of 70 miles per hour in a 40 miles per hour zone. None of the eight teens in the truck were wearing seatbelts and two of them were sitting in the bed of the truck. The teens were allegedly captured on surveillance stealing cases of beer from a Wal-Mart about an hour before the accident.

The case will start in juvenile court because of the age of the driver, but prosecutors will likely try to certify the minor as an adult. In addition to criminal liabilities, those found negligent and liable for the accident could have a civil suit filed against them. The loved ones of the deceased could file a wrongful death claim. In addition, if those injured did not contribute to the accident, they could file a personal injury suit. Both claims could result in compensation to cover any medical bills, funeral costs, damages and pain and suffering.

Drivers of all ages have a duty to exercise reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who drive drunk and speed are often considered to be driving negligently and recklessly. Drivers who are negligent and reckless can be found liable for accidents that occur and can be required to pay for any damages caused to any person or property.

Source: KHOU, “Sheriff: N. Texas teen in quadruple-fatal crash was drunk, speeding,” Steve Stoler, Josh Davis and Monika Diaz, July 10, 2013