Drinking and driving at any age can cause devastating auto accidents, injuries and possible death in Tennessee and across the U.S. However, the risk of a catastrophic collision becomes even greater when an inexperienced and intoxicated teen gets behind the wheel of a vehicle.

A young man faces up to 30 years in prison because of the decision he made to drive while intoxicated. His poor choice changed the lives of several people, including a 19-year-old girl who was killed in the crash. Not only was the teen speeding at the time, but he ran a red light and collided into the young girl’s driver side door. The impact forced her car into another vehicle, causing the driver of that car to sustain serious injuries as well. The teen then tried to flee the scene of the crime, but was caught and detained by witnesses of the incident.

After being tested, the teen’s blood alcohol level content allegedly measured 0.14 percent, which is significantly higher than the 0.02 percent legal limit for an underage minor in the state. He has been indicted for the death of the young girl and faces criminal charges of first-degree assault, manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident with injury.

When people make bad decisions, they should be held responsible for the consequences of their actions. Their negligence ultimately puts peoples’ lives in danger. When tragic auto accidents occur, victims may want to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in Tennessee regarding their legal rights and options.