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Should Iowa Auto Insurance Companies Be Required to Disclose Limits?...
Posted on 4/17/2012
Rollover Accident in Cedar Rapids Sends 3 to Hospital...
Posted on 1/24/2012
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Cedar Rapids Motorcycle Crash Sends Rider to Hospital with Head Injuries...
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Cedar Rapids Rollover Crash Sends 2 to the Hospital and 1 to Jail...
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Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
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Iowa Legal News | Cedar Rapids Lawsuit News
Vehicular Homicide Charges Filed in Deadly Cedar Rapids Teen Crash
Posted on Dec 18, 2010
Last month, we reported that a fatal car accident occurred on November 8, 2010, which took the life of teenager Jose Mendoza. As we indicated, Mendoza, a 17-year-old back seat passenger, was the only one of the four teenagers who died that night in the wreck.
Recently, the name of the driver has been released. Ramius Hardiman, 17, of Cedar Rapids, was driving the night of the fatal crash. Criminal charges have been filed against Hardiman including two counts of vehicular homicide. The first count is for driving under the influence of alcohol, and the second count charges him for reckless driving.
Because Hardiman doesn't turn 18 until January, Linn County attorney Vander Sanden said the case will start in juvenile court and may be moved to adult court later.
Not much was known about the details leading up to the crash. However, earlier that night a police officer responded to a noise complaint and asked the teens to turn down their music, which occurred about one hour prior to the accident.
Investigators indicated that the car went airborne when it tried to crest the hill on Cottage Grove Avenue SE, just west of 34th Street SE. Officials do believe that excessive speed was a leading factor in this fatal crash, which resulted in Hardiman losing control of the vehicle. The car, carrying four teenagers all from Metro High School in Cedar Rapids, rolled and hit a utility pole.
Katie Opperman, an 18-year-old passenger, of Central City, was charged with public intoxication and possession of alcohol under the legal drinking age.
We are saddened to hear of this tragic Iowa car crash, and send our thoughts and condolences to the victim's family and friends.
Read More About Vehicular Homicide Charges Filed in Deadly Cedar Rapids Teen Crash...
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Car, Truck & Motorcycle Accidents
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