Indiana Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for Death of Indiana University Student – Rights of Surviving Family Members of Fatal Drunk Driving Car Accidents Explained

A 22-year-old woman was handed down a 12-year criminal sentence after being convicted of causing the death of a budding Indiana University student in a fatal drunk driving car accident. According to local news reports, WRTV Indianapolis, Madelyn Howard killed 20-year-old Nathaniel Stratton after an evening out with friends that led to a horrific drunk driving car accident. Through statements that were made in the criminal court case against Ms. Howard, it is believed that Ms. Howard went out for a night of drinking on September 18, 2022 in Bloomington, Indiana. Ms. Howard first went out to a bar called Kilroy’s, where she ordered bottle service, then drove her vehicle from Kilroy’s to another location. While Ms. Howard was driving, she swerved her vehicle onto a sidewalk and into the bike lane. At the same time, Mr. Stratton who was riding an electric scooter in the bicycle lane, was hit by Ms. Howard. Ms. Howard is reported to have initially left the scene of the fatal drunk-driving car accident and was later located by authorities and apprehended.

Mr. Stratton, ultimately, succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the drunk driving accident. Ms. Howard was found to have had a blood-alcohol level (BAC) of .226 at the time of the accident (which is almost four times the legal limit in Indiana). Ms. Howard was given a 12-year sentence, with 10 years of her sentence to be spent in prison, and two years on probation. In addition, Ms. Howard will be unable to obtain a driver’s license for 16 years.

Can the Families of Fatal Drunk Driving Car Accident Victims in Ventura get Justice under California Laws?

In Ventura, California, like Indiana, when a person is killed in a car accident by a drunk driver or a negligent driver, certain surviving family members may be entitled to money compensation under California wrongful death laws. In order to determine whether you may be entitled to compensation in Ventura for the loss of your loved one, it is best to speak with an experienced Ventura wrongful death lawyer as soon as possible about your rights and options.

A Ventura Law Firm that Helps the Family Members of Victims of Drunk Driving Car Accidents

If your loved one was killed in a drunk driving car accident in Ventura, contact the experienced Ventura car accident lawyers at Zavala Law, PC. There is a limited time to file a claim for compensation under California wrongful death laws, so do not hesitate to reach out for help. Contact Zavala Law, PC today to speak to an experienced lawyer about your case.

Source:

wrtv.com/news/local-news/crime/woman-responsible-for-the-drunk-driving-death-of-iu-student-sentenced-to-12-years