$562,500

Wrongful Death: Fatal Collision Involving Intoxicated Driver (December 2022)

In December 2022, a freshman in college and three of his friends were killed in a single motor vehicle crash caused by a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. Law enforcement determined that the driver’s intoxication was a contributing factor in the collision. As a result of their negligent and illegal conduct, all four occupants of the passenger vehicle died from crash-related injuries.

Following the fatalities, surviving family members pursued a wrongful death claim against the negligent driver. In addition to a civil claim against the driver, claimants also pursued recovery under applicable dram-shop or social host liability principles against the commercial establishments that served alcoholic beverages to the at-fault driver before the crash. After investigation and negotiations, the negligent driver’s automobile liability insurance policy and the liquor liability/damages coverages of the bars that served the driver were settled for their combined policy limits of $562,500.

The family was represented by Clark & Howell, a law firm with experience in wrongful death and personal injury claims, focusing on advocating for injured persons and families after fatal accidents by explaining the law, negotiating with insurers, and pursuing compensation through settlement or litigation. The firm’s practice areas include wrongful death actions arising from motor vehicle collisions and other negligent conduct.

Under applicable wrongful death law, a claim must be filed within the statute of limitations established by state law (e.g., in Maine, a wrongful death action often must be commenced within three years from the date of death). Clark & Howell attorneys counsel clients regarding these deadlines and the elements required to establish negligence, causation, and damages.

This case demonstrates how families pursue civil compensation through insurer policy limits when negligent conduct results in multiple fatalities, and highlights the importance of experienced legal representation in wrongful death settlements.