Last month, a Salem teenager was killed in a car crash in Lynn. Published reports state that the teen’s father has brought forth a lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle, Christopher Maxson, and his mother. Julia Gauthier, 19, was the victim in the crash. She was killed when Maxson ran a stop sign and crashed into several parked cars.

Marc Gauthier filed a civil suit in Salem Superior Court as he feels that Maxson is guilty of negligence.

Gauthier was ejected through the sunroof of the SUV, and was pronounced dead on the scene. Maxson, as well as two passengers, only suffered minor injuries.

Maxson has pleaded innocent to several charges including driving under the influence, failure to stop at a stop sign, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle homicide. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Drunk Driving Fatalities

Unfortunately, many drunk driving car accidents lead to fatalities. That is because drivers who are under the influence have slower reaction times and may not hit the brakes in time. They are also more likely to run a red light, crashing full speed into an unaware driver.

This is what happened in the Lynn crash. Because the driver admitted to driving under the influence, it is likely that they will be found to be negligent. Negligence can include distracted driving, speeding, road rage, aggressive driving, and especially driving under the influence.

This can lead to heavy drunk driving legal consequences, as well as a civil suit in which the driver is responsible financially.

Drunk Driving Consequences

Massachusetts carries strict consequences for driving under the influence of alcohol. Potential consequences can include:

  • Jail time or required community service
  • Suspended driver’s license
  • Legal fines and reinstatement fees
  • Required installation of an ignition interlock system

The specific legal consequences and fines vary, depending on whether the person has prior charges, or if anyone was harmed in the accident. In the case above, the driver is likely to experience maximum charges because their behaviors led to a loss of life.

Additionally, in the state, the first two occurrences of driving under the influence are a misdemeanor, but a third charge is a felony. It is possible for a first or second DUI offense to also be charged as a felony, like when the case involves serious bodily injury or death.

These strict legal fines can also be accompanied by a civil suit, such as is the case with the Lynn crash. If you are injured in a drunk driving accident, you do not necessarily need a lawyer for the responsible person to experience legal charges. However, if you want to bring a civil suit, either to cover your medical expenses or to collect compensation for a loss of life, then you need a lawyer.

Work With a DUI Lawyer Today

A DUI car accident lawyer can help you evaluate the details of the case while collecting necessary evidence that demonstrates negligence. Whether it was you or your loved one who was injured in the DUI car accident, we understand how difficult things can be. Focus on your recovery and leave everything else to us.

We will build your case, manage all communications, and fight to get you the justice and compensation that you deserve.