Los Angeles Injury Lawyer Blog

A Miami high school has been found guilty of partial negligence for a deadly car crash that occurred after a graduation party in 2001. A jury found the school liable for $14 million in damages to the victims and families. The horrible car accident left one student, a passenger, dead, and another student, the driver, brain-damaged and paralyzed. Both students were underage and above the legal blood limit for alcohol. School officials did not notify authorities about the party, even though they knew it involved illegal teenage drinking. The school intends to appeal the decision.

In the one-car wreck, which occurred around 5pm, two 17 year-old male students were driving in an Acura when they slammed into a tree going about 80 mph, splitting the car in half. The passenger had a blood alcohol level of .22, and the driver, who was thrown from the car, had a level of .096. The legal limit blood alcohol limit is .08.

The party was held at the home of two other students and was widely advertised with a flyer featuring a picture of a whiskey bottle. The school principal was aware of the party but did not notify parents or authorities. Not only did he refer to the party over the school’s PA system, but he also attended the party and witnessed students behaving in drunken and disorderly manner.

The jury found additional parties negligent as well, including the parents of the student-hosts, the 21-year old purchaser of alcohol, the driver of the car, and his parents. Families of the victims intend to seek compensation from the school only.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident which you believe involves alcohol in California, please contact an attorney to learn your rights. Call the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for a free and confidential consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and seek compensation for you loss.