Drunk Driving and Death: Accident Takes the Life of 18-Year-Old

The life of an 18-year-old California teen ended because a driver accused of being intoxicated lost control of her vehicle. Braun Levi was walking along a Manhattan Beach street in the early morning of May 4 when he was struck and killed. The driver’s license was suspended after a prior drunk driving arrest, but apparently that didn’t stop her from drinking or driving that evening. Levi’s parents have filed a $200 million wrongful death lawsuit against her.

Satterley & Kelley, PLLC attorneys have decades of experience successfully handling complex motor vehicle accident claims, and we obtain compensation for our clients. Learn more by calling us at 855-385-9532.

Braun Levi’s Potential Will Never Be Realized

Braun was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. The Los Angeles Times reports the driver, Jenia Resha Belt, after the accident tested at nearly twice the legal blood alcohol level limit.

He was killed a month before his high school graduation. Braun had been accepted to the University of Virginia, which offered him a tennis scholarship. He was a nationally ranked tennis player, played volleyball and volunteered at a camp for kids with disabilities.

Braun’s fate is not unique. Safe Home reports that 12,429 Americans were killed by drunk drivers in 2023, or about 34 a day (177 of these deaths were in Kentucky, a rate of more than three a week). From 2014 to 2023, US drunk driving fatalities increased 25%.

There were 3,516 alcohol related vehicle accidents in the state in 2023, according to the State Police, causing a total of 1,741 injuries.

The Braun Family Files a Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against the Driver

Belt was arrested at the scene but hasn’t been charged with a crime. She was released from custody a month after the accident.

Braun’s parents want to hold her accountable in civil court and use the lawsuit’s proceeds to help fund the Live Like Braun Foundation, which will spend it on scholarships and public tennis centers. They also plan to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving.

Braun’s mother, Jennifer Levi, said in a statement. “This is not a decision rooted in anger, vengeance, or financial gain. It is a decision grounded in accountability, prevention, reform, and the unwavering love we have for Braun.”

The lawsuit claims the following:

• Belt drank “excessive quantities of alcohol” at a Hermosa Beach bar before driving
• Four passengers were inside the car at the time of the accident and fled the area after the collision.
• “Despite knowing and understanding the grave dangers associated with driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, Defendant Belt willfully chose to operate the subject vehicle while intoxicated at an unsafe and excessive rate of speed.”

The Times reports that:

• Court records show Belt had been charged with driving under the influence after a 2023 accident
• Records from the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles showed her license was suspended as a result

A month before his death, Braun and his teammate, Cooper Schwartz, won their fourth Mission League doubles championship. In January, the family home was destroyed in a fire that swept through the area, forcing them to relocate.

The Devastating Toll of Drunk Driving Crashes

When a drunk driver causes a wreck, the consequences can be catastrophic:

• People struck by a DUI driver may suffer broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening trauma
• Some victims may never fully recover. Paralysis, chronic pain, or cognitive damage may never improve
• Hospitalization, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation can result in medical bills that stack up and overwhelm victims and families. Lost wages and reduced earning capacity may occur
• The emotional toll of an accident and a long recovery can be the loss of normalcy, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and fear of the future
• A victim’s promising life may end prematurely, devastating families and communities

Those harmed by drunk drivers and the families of victims killed by them deserve full compensation and accountability from the person responsible.

Why Experienced Satterley & Kelley, PLLC Representation Matters

Given the potential damages, an insurance company may fight hard to minimize compensation. Though a drunk driving arrest or conviction can help a plaintiff’s case, an insurance company may challenge the severity of injuries or blame the victim to reduce a potential court award.

When we’re retained in a DUI-related accident case, we will do the following:

• Thoroughly investigate the crash. We will obtain police reports, toxicology reports, license status, prior DUI arrest history, vehicle data, witness statements, and video surveillance recordings
• Leverage that evidence to build a strong case for negligence, recklessness, and possible punitive damages
• Put the full value of economic and non-economic damages (including the loss of future earnings, emotional suffering, loss of companionship) at issue during insurance carrier negotiations and litigation
• Provide compassion, support, and guidance to families coping with grief and trauma while they pursue justice

There is too much at stake in these cases for you to try to negotiate a resolution with an insurance company. It’s not a good idea to learn-while-doing in this situation because you and your family may significantly suffer financially.

Speak To A Satterley & Kelley, PLLC Vehicle Accident Injury Lawyer Today

If you’re the victim of an accident caused by a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs, or a family member was killed in such a crash, Satterley & Kelley PLLC lawyers can protect your interests and rights to compensation. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case. Call our Louisville office at 855-385-9532 or complete our contact form if it’s more convenient.