A 20-year-old Oxford, Connecticut, Man Has Been Charged Six Months After He Was Involved in a Fatal Car Accident

A 20-year-old Oxford, Connecticut, man has been charged six months after he was involved in a fatal car accident that claimed the life of one of his passengers. It was an accident that didn’t need to happen.

On March 9, the 20-year-old driver had two passengers, ages 15 and 16, in his Ford Mustang. An accident reconstruction by the state police revealed that the driver was trying to elude a police officer who was trying to pull him over for a traffic violation.

However, the driver allegedly switched off the car’s lights, sped up considerably, and illegally passed other vehicles in an attempt to avoid being stopped. The crash occurred when the driver of the Mustang failed to negotiate a curve and, as a result, crashed into a building. The 15-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 16-year-old passenger received hospital treatment for minor injuries and was then released.

The six-month police investigation has resulted in the driver of the Ford being charged with reckless driving, engaging police in a pursuit and misconduct with a motor vehicle. The police officer who chased the vehicle has not been charged, but a pending police report will judge whether the officer in question violated any department policies or rules. If this report finds any wrongdoing on the part of the police officer, the Seymour Police Administration will conduct an internal affairs investigation to see if the police officer should be charged for his alleged role in the incident.

Recovering from a car crash can take time, but there are legal options available for survivors and victims’ families. In the case of injury, compensation may be available to cover any medical costs incurred. For victims of car accidents, the family members of the deceased can make a claim on behalf of their loved one.

Source: New Haven Register, “Oxford driver, 20, charged in fatal accident,” Jean Falbo-Sosnovich, Sept. 11, 2012