News Summary
The Behr family has been awarded $12.8 million in a wrongful death case after their daughter, Nell, was killed by a drunk driver in Jacksonville. The legal battle highlighted the critical issue of drunk driving and aims to serve as a deterrent for future incidents. Following the tragic events, the family’s grief is profound as they grapple with their loss while advocating for responsible alcohol consumption to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Jacksonville Family Awarded $12.8 Million in Wrongful Death Case After Daughter Killed by Drunk Driver
The Behr family has been awarded $12.8 million in compensatory damages after a two-year legal battle following the tragic death of their daughter, Nell Behr, who was killed by a drunk driver in Jacksonville in January 2023. The award was determined in a civil trial designed to hold the drunk driver accountable for the devastating impact of his actions on the Behr family.
Twenty-one-year-old Nell was recently celebrating her graduation from Florida State College at Jacksonville, having completed her studies just nine days prior to the incident. The family had been making plans to relocate from Chicago to Jacksonville to be closer to her when tragedy struck.
On the day of the crash, Ramon Cerda was driving under the influence with a reported blood alcohol level of .128 when he collided head-on with Nell’s vehicle, leading to her untimely death. Cerda, who later pleaded guilty to DUI manslaughter nearly a year after the incident, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison.
In the civil trial, the jury awarded Nell’s parents $5 million each for their loss, along with an additional $300,000 to cover medical and funeral expenses. The substantial award reflects the jury’s recognition of the profound sorrow and hardship experienced by the Behr family as a result of the fatal collision.
Legal Insights and Community Impact
Attorneys representing the Behr family highlighted the critical issue of impaired judgment resulting from alcohol consumption, stressing the need for responsible decision-making. They emphasized the importance of using ride-share services or designating a sober driver, particularly during holiday celebrations such as the Fourth of July, when drinking may be more prevalent.
The verdict in this civil trial is viewed not only as a measure of justice for Nell’s family but also as a message to the wider community about the consequences of drunk driving. The attorneys expressed a desire for the case to serve as a deterrent against future incidents, hoping to encourage responsible behavior regarding alcohol consumption.
Background Context
Nell Behr’s death has left a profound impact on her family and friends, marking a tragic chapter in their lives. The Behr family was preparing for a new beginning, planning their move to Jacksonville to support Nell as she embarked on her post-graduate journey. The family’s grief is immeasurable, as they contend with the loss of their daughter and the future they envisioned with her.
Drunk driving continues to be a serious concern in communities across the nation, leading to numerous preventable accidents and fatalities each year. Law enforcement and advocacy groups consistently campaign for increased awareness and preventive measures to combat this issue.
As the Behr family navigates this difficult period, they reaffirm that no amount of compensation can fill the void left by their daughter’s tragic passing. The conclusion of this legal battle represents not only a quest for justice but also serves as a painful reminder of the serious consequences that can arise from choices made under the influence of alcohol.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Parents Awarded $2.5 Million in DUI Wrongful Death Case
Additional Resources
- First Coast News: Jacksonville Family Awarded $12.8 Million in Wrongful Death Case
- News4Jax: Jury Awards $10.3 Million to Parents of Jacksonville DUI Crash Victim
- Jacksonville.com: Jacksonville Jailer Sentenced for 121 MPH DUI Manslaughter Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drunk Driving
- News4Jax: Additional $25 Million Awarded in Jacksonville DUI Crash Case
- Google Search: Drunk Driving Awareness
