From Philadelphia, PA law offices, our attorneys represent alcohol-related accidents, injuries, and deaths throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The night began with an adult buying four teenage friends alcohol. It ended with two of the teens dead and two others seriously injured in a violent car crash. Now the woman who bought them bourbon and malt liquor faces years in prison and possible lawsuits as a result.

The 22-year-old Chester County woman faces misdemeanor charges of corruption of minors and furnishing alcohol to minors.

Early Morning Tragedy

She supplied three 15-year-olds and one 16-year-old with the alcohol early in the evening before the three a.m. crash in which the car they were in slammed into a tree and then a utility pole.

None of the teens, ages 15 and 16, were licensed to drive.

Prosecutors said their investigation continues; felony charges may be forthcoming.

Criminal charges and lawsuits could also be filed against the owner of the vehicle the teens were driving.

Reckless Adult

This sort of tragedy happens far too often in Pennsylvania and across the country. It’s why it’s always illegal, reckless behavior to supply alcohol to underage teens, especially if they have access to a motor vehicle.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says teen drivers often engage in dangerous activities while behind the wheel:

• Teens are more likely than other drivers to speed and tailgate. Male teen drivers are especially prone to engaging in these unsafe activities.
• Among male teen drivers in fatal accidents in 2005, 37 percent were speeding and 26 had been drinking alcohol.
• In 2008, 25 percent of drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had a blood alcohol content that met or the exceeded legal limit (.08 percent).

Civil Liability

The woman who supplied the Chester County teens with alcohol is likely to face more than criminal charges in this tragic case. She will probably face lawsuits from the parents of the children dead and injured as a result of her actions.

While nothing anyone does can bring those young lives back, the parents might well feel an appropriate level of justice has been achieved if the woman faces more than misdemeanor criminal charges. She could also be liable for damages in civil court, including compensation for medical bills and pain and suffering.

Pursuit of Justice

If you’ve lost a member of your family, or had a loved one injured, because someone supplied alcohol or drugs to your teenager, contact a Pennsylvania personal injury attorney for a thorough evaluation of the facts of the case. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue justice and compensation for the damage you’ve suffered.

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