A teen driver has been charged with speeding and motor vehicle homicide over a fatal Boxford car crash that killed his friend last night. The single-auto collision claimed the life of 18-year-old Michael Doherty after the car they were riding struck a tree. The driver, 18-year-old Evan Wiendczak, survived the Massachusetts car accident with injuries.
The two teenagers were classmates at Masconomet Regional High School.
2008 Young Drivers (Ages 15 – 20) Facts (NHTSA):
• 58 people were killed in Massachusetts car crashes involving young drivers.
• 31 of the Massachusetts traffic crash victims were young drivers.
• 17 of the fatality victims were riding in the young drivers’ autos.
• 10 of the people that died were passengers in the other vehicles.
• Nationally, 5,864 young drivers were involved in deadly car accidents.
• 2,739 of these drivers died.
• 228,000 other young drivers were injured.
Motor vehicle crashes continue to be the number one cause of deaths for people ages 15 – 20. Driver inexperience, texting while driving, cell phone use while operating a car, drunk driving, speeding, distracted driving, defective auto parts, and poor road conditions are some of the leading causes of teen car accidents.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a Massachusetts car accident because a driver behaved recklessly, carelessly, or negligently, you should consult with a Boston injury law firm about your case as soon as possible.
It is important that you do not speak with the other party’s insurer or attorney before speaking with a Boston car crash lawyer first.
Teen killed in crash, classmate charged, MyFoxBoston, October 26, 2009
High School Senior Killed In Crash, The Boston Channel, October 26, 2009
Young Drivers, 2008 Traffic Safety Fact Sheet, NHTSA (PDF)
Related Web Resources:
Teen Drivers, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Teen Drivers, CDC
Contact our Boston personal injury lawyers and ask for your free case evaluation.