Drunk Driver Kills 2-Year-Old Going to Disney World

In a 2009 car accident, 2-year-old Isabella Zepka-Manzanilla was tragically killed when a drunken driver crashed into the car that her mother was driving. The Manzanilla family, who reside in North Carolina, was on their way to Disney World in Florida, driving a rental car at the time of the accident. The drunk driver, John Molnar, was under the influence of both alcohol and cocaine when he caused the fatal crash that took the life of the young girl and severely injured her 12-year-old brother, Alexander, who sustained a life-altering skull fracture, as well. Since then, the man has plead guilty to DUI manslaughter and is expected to serve the maximum sentence of 26 years in prison.

Although the family has received justice for the death of Isabella through Molnar's conviction, they will forever be devastated by the loss. One family member, Sirene Manzanilla, explained that "instead of Isabella having the opportunity to see the princess in Disney World, she was connected to a breathing machine"—a sight they will likely never forget. For this reason, the family of the victim has the right to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the drunk driver, if they choose to seek damages for the unwarranted loss of the 2-year-old's life. In doing so, they would be able to recover compensation for the pain and suffering that they have been forced to endure in the wake of her death.

If you have suffered through the loss of a loved one under similar circumstances, you should not hesitate to take action, as well. Drunk driving accidents account for an astounding number of fatalities and serious injuries in the United States each and every year, but it is the right of the victims or their families to take the appropriate legal action against such negligence. For more information about your rights to seek compensation, contact our firm today.