An 18-year-old was arrested Thursday, months after a car crash in southwest Miami-Dade killed a 17-year-old student of Somerset Academy Silver Palms. Christopher Mejias, who turned 18 just a month before the Nov. 10 crash, faces charges of DUI manslaughter, DUI causing serious bodily injury and DUI while accompanied by a minor in the vehicle.
According to his arrest warrant, Mejias veered to the left, drove over the sidewalk and struck a tree. He and the victim, Alex Carreras Jr., were taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center, where Carreras died.
Miami Teenage Car Accident Attorney
Teen drivers often lack the experience necessary to operate safely on our busy streets and highways. The victims in these types of accidents are often eligible for monetary compensation for their injuries under Florida law. You may be eligible for damages covering medical expenses, future medical care, pain and suffering, lost wages, or loss
of enjoyment of life.
A skilled car accident lawyer can help guide you through the claims process and offer expert insight on how to proceed in every aspect of your claim. Hiring a personal injury lawyer is a very important decision. Your lawyer will represent your interests in settlement negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company and may have to represent you in court should you and your attorney decide that filing a personal injury lawsuit is in your best interest. You should make sure that your attorney is someone you trust and feel comfortable working with.
Our attorneys are ready to provide proven legal representation in pursuing your claim and stand ready to protect your rights. We are available 24/7 to give you a free, no risk case consultation.
Common Causes of Teen Driving Accidents
Teens are one of the highest-risk groups of drivers on the road. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents are the leading cause of death for teens nationwide. Drivers ages 16 to 19 are almost three times as likely to be involved in car accidents as are drivers 20 and older. In Florida, teens can start driving with a learner’s permit at 15 and unsupervised at the age of 16, placing a large number of risky drivers on our roads.
Some of the more common causes of teen car accidents include:
- Consumption of alcohol or other drugs
- Inexperienced teen drivers
- Aggressive driving, including tailgating, speeding, and improper passing, etc.
- Distracted driving, such as talking or texting on a cellphone
- Driver fatigue
- Poor Weather conditions
Speak to our Miami Car Accident Lawyers Today!
At Jaime Suarez, our team of car accident attorneys in Miami will work with you every step of the way, offering the expert legal guidance you need to win your lawsuit. We will take care of all legal matters that relate to your claim and develop the best legal strategy for your individual case to ensure the successful recovery of your damages.
This includes determining the economic and non-economic compensation you’re entitled to, identifying who should be held liable for your injuries, losses and damages. We will not rest until we have developed and presented the most persuasive argument possible, and ensure you receive fair and just compensation for your damages.
