With their son lying in a coma, suffering from the effects of a traumatic brain injury, the parents of Sergio E. Molina filed suit against the 16-year old driver of the pickup truck in which Molina was a passenger, as well as the teen’s parents. According to police, Ethan Crouch, the driver, had a blood alcohol content of 0.24, which is three times the legal limit. Four people died and eleven were injured in the crash. Difficult Accident Scene
Investigators say that the accident scene was horrific, as Crouch, who was driving a Ford pickup truck with seven other teens, swerved off the road and struck a stranded motorist and three people who had stopped to help her. All four of them—Breanna Mitchell, Brian Jennings, Holly Boyles and Boyles’ daughter, Shelby—died in the crash. Crouch’s vehicle then crashed into a parked car with two children inside, before striking a Volkswagen Beetle, also carrying two people, heading in the opposite direction. The two children and occupants of the Beetle survived. The pickup then flipped, striking a tree. None of the teenagers were wearing seatbelts, and Molina, who was riding in the bed of the truck, was ejected, landing on his head. Drinking and Driving Police reports also indicate that the teenagers stole two cases of beer from a local Walmart, but witnesses say that they were drinking long before that incident. Lawyers for Molina declined to comment whether the 16-year old was drinking or involved in the stolen beer incident. Lawyers claim that Molina was injured because a “16-year old chose to get extremely drunk and drive.” Doctors are unsure whether Molina will fully recover, and his family says the teen’s medical bills have exceeded $600,000. There is the possibility his medical needs will exceed $10 million if he requires constant care. Lawsuit Alleges Negligence, Carelessness Court documents allege that Crouch was negligent, careless and reckless, and that his actions were the cause of Molina’s injury. In addition, the lawsuit blames Crouch’s parents, Fred and Tonya, with failing to properly supervise their son, who was charged with possessing and consuming alcohol just four months prior to the accident in Lake Worth. The Crouches nor their attorney commented on the case. When someone’s negligence is suspected as the cause or contributing factor in a car accident that causes injury or death, a lawsuit may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free consultation regarding an auto accident where injuries have occurred.