Omaha, NE – Drunk driver runs red light causing accident which severely injures father and results in death of son.
December 3, 2018 | DUI, DUI Omaha
As attorneys who frequently deal with horrific personal injury and wrongful death cases, we see a glimpse of what it is to be severely injured or have a close family member injured or killed. The randomness and devastation of such an accident often makes it difficult to understand and deal with. We pray for our clients and all families that go through this.
This weekend an accident occurred at the intersection of 144th and Harrison Streets in Omaha, Nebraska that was a result of extremely poor decision making by an individual who chose to drink and drive. The winter road conditions such as those the Metro area experienced this weekend alone frequently result in a spike in accidents even for the most cautious drivers. However, drinking and driving, especially in such conditions, is unforgiveable. At approximately 5:30 p.m., Jeffrey Eggeling ran a red light and collided with the vehicle of Clifford Canaday, who is in critical condition, and his 14 year old son Trevor Canaday, who was ejected from the vehicle and killed as a result of Eggeling’s negligence. More details about the accident can be found in the comprehensive article written by World-Herald staff writers Kevin Cole and Susan Szalewski: https://www.omaha.com/news/metro/man-is-arrested-after-omaha-teen-is-killed-father-critically/article_f54dba1d-15c4-5ff4-b0d9-19d3e7c4d9ea.html
This accident likely occurred at an angle which was reported by the NHTSA in 2016 to have the highest rate of fatality (17.8%) compared to other manners of “vehicle on vehicle” collisions. (See NHTSA Table 29) For a passenger to be ejected indicates that Eggeling, who ran a red light, likely did not brake at all and collided with the Canaday’s vehicle at full speed. In 2017, Nebraskans suffered 228 fatalities. 67 of these accidents (29%), involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
Eggeling, who fled the scene of the accident has previously been convicted of 2 charges for driving under the influence. He is likely facing a 3rd driving under the influence charge and class II felony charge for motor vehicle homicide pursuant to Nebraska Revised Statute 28-306(c) which provides a penalty of up to 50 years of imprisonment.
Please stay safe as you drive on the roads this winter, do not drink and drive, and drive cautiously and responsibly. We can all prevent accidents like this from happening if we drive responsibly and stopping those around us from acting foolishly. There is no excuse for drinking and driving when you can hail a ride with the press of a button or call. Any time an accident like this happens the shockwaves extend deep into our community impacting the victims, their families, friends, coworkers, teammates and classmates deeply.
We hope that the Canaday family is provided the love and support they need in the grieving process and extend our prayers to them. You can contribute to the Canaday family’s go fund me page for Trevor’s funeral and medical expenses at https://www.gofundme.com/trevor-canaday039s-funeral-expenses
The law firm of High & Younes, LLC., is located in Omaha, Nebraska and has represented countless individuals injured or killed in all types of accident. Find out how we have obtained millions of dollars’ worth of settlements and judgments for our injury and wrongful death clients over the years by clicking here. We will also answer your questions about trial, and general things you need to know about how to hire attorneys by clicking here.