It is bad enough when a young person died in an auto accident, imagine if you are his friend now charged with his death.
A Jacksonville teen has been charged with vehicular homicide in the death of his friend in an accident that happened in Mandarin last June. Early in the morning of June 23, 17-year old Daniel R. Farren had been drinking.
Police later said his blood alcohol level (BAC) was 0.04, not legally intoxicated but enough to be “buzzed”- and as the slogan goes – buzzed driving also impairs judgment behind the wheel.
Farren was driving his friend’s BMW and along with two others was heading west on Thoroughbred Boulevard at a rate of about 68 miles per hour. According to police, the posted speed limit is 30 mph.
Farren hit the brakes then skidded into a tree about 1:45 a.m. Corey Kelley, 18, and Robert Wiggins, 19 were both critically injured. Wiggins died one week later. Kelley survived.
The only person in the car wearing a seat belt was Farren, and he was the only one to suffer minor injuries.
Farren, who is 18 now, has also been charged with reckless driving which must accompany a vehicular homicide charge.
Vehicular homicide means the killing of a human being by the operation of a motor vehicle by a person in a reckless manner likely to cause death or great bodily harm to another.
Farren has been jailed on $100,000 bail. The fact that he was 17 at the time may have some impact if the judge considers his immaturity and poor judgment for drinking and going 38 mph over the speed limit.
Vehicular homicide is a second degree felony which can result in up to a $10,000 fine and up to 15 years in prison.
Besides that, Farren will have to live with the death. Our condolences all around for another senseless waste of life.
Anyone who has been involved in even a minor auto accident understands that resolving these types of claims requires the assistance of an attorney who understands accidents, insurance companies and who can fight for your right to compensation.
If you have been involved in an auto accident, having one of our knowledgeable car accident attorneys representing your interests can be the difference between receiving a small settlement or the substantial sum you deserve.
