According to several local reports an 18-year-old was arrested early Sunday morning July 24 on suspicion of drunk driving. Police indicate Jeremy Morley was arrested after his 2005 Saturn Ion jumped a curb and crashed into a home at 410 Independence Drive Longmont Colorado around 2:45 a.m. Five other passengers including the driver were injured two seriously as a result of the wreck.
The Ion was later found to have cut a natural gas line to the home releasing layers of gas into the air making the scene a risk for explosion.
Police reports indicate most of the passengers admitted to drinking that night.
Site of the Accident
Commentary
Drunk driving is a very serious offense. With 6 kids in the car wrecking into a residence and cutting the gas line the driver is lucky this wreck was not fatal. From a legal standpoint there are a few different courses the passengers and even the driver could take. For instance if the kids were found to be served at a residence the owner of that residence could potentially be sued based on Colorados Social-Host laws. These laws are in place to hold owners liable for minors consuming alcohol at their premises. On the other hand the passengers could bring personal injury claims against the driver for his recklessness behind the wheel and possibly against the owner of the Ion if an investigation finds knowledgeable prior history of poor driving or judgement and the owner let the teen drive anyways.
As I typically recommend an independent investigation is needed to determine where liability is placed in this situation.
Texas Personal Injury Attorney Michael Grossman
