Drunk Driver Convicted in Pembroke Crash Killing 13-Year-Old Girl
A jury has convicted Gregory Goodsell, 36, of Marshfield, for his role in a tragic crash that claimed the life of 13-year-old Claire Zisserson.
Drunk Driver Convicted of second-degree murder, Goodsell was found guilty of motor vehicle manslaughter while operating under the influence, leaving the scene of property damage, and two counts of operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury. After 10 hours of deliberation, the jury reached its verdict, and Goodsell is now set to be sentenced on October 3.
The accident occurred on December 29, 2019, when Goodsell, after attending a company party and later a house party in Pembroke, got behind the wheel of his Ford F-250, owned by Hi-Way Safety Systems, Inc. After leaving the party around 6:40 a.m., Goodsell, highly intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .266 and cocaine in his system, lost control of his truck.
He hit a tree and then sped through a red light at 67 mph, crashing into a Subaru driven by Elizabeth Zisserson. The crash resulted in the death of 13-year-old Claire Zisserson and left her mother, Elizabeth, and passenger Kendall Zemotel, also 13, seriously injured.
In Goodsell’s truck, authorities found a half-empty bottle of whiskey, an empty beer can, two nip bottles, marijuana, and a pipe, underscoring the recklessness of his actions. The devastation left by this crash has had lasting effects on the victims’ families, particularly with the tragic loss of young Claire.
Compensation for the Victims and Their Families
For families like the Zissersons and Zemotels, the emotional and financial toll of such a crash is immense. In cases like these, victims may be entitled to various forms of compensation, which can help address medical bills, funeral expenses, and long-term trauma.
The family of Claire Zisserson, for instance, may seek compensation not only for her wrongful death but also for the pain and suffering endured by her mother, Elizabeth, who sustained serious injuries in the crash.
Kendall Zemotel, a passenger in the vehicle, has already initiated a lawsuit against both Goodsell and Hi-Way Safety Systems, the company that employed him. Kendall’s family may be eligible for compensation to cover her medical costs, rehabilitation, emotional distress, and any future therapy that may be necessary due to the trauma of the accident.
How Dane Shulman Attorneys Can Help
At Dane Shulman Law Firm, we understand the complexities involved in securing compensation for victims of devastating car accidents like this.
Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those affected by drunk driving accidents. We will thoroughly investigate the crash, gather the necessary evidence, and ensure that all responsible parties, including the employer of the at-fault driver, are held accountable.
In cases involving companies like Hi-Way Safety Systems, we examine potential liability for allowing an employee to drive a company vehicle while impaired. This adds another layer to the case, as employers can be found negligent in situations where their actions contributed to the crash.
Our legal team is committed to ensuring that families like the Zissersons and Zemotels receive the compensation they deserve to rebuild their lives. We work closely with our clients, providing compassionate and professional representation throughout the legal process. If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving accident, contact us today. We are here to help you seek justice and compensation for your losses.
Note: Our law office relies on external sources for the content of this post. Although we aim for accuracy, we have not independently verified all facts related to this incident. Should you identify any inaccuracies, please notify Dane Shulman Attorneys for corrections. Posts will be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation for business. The information contained herein is not intended to offer legal or medical advice. If you or someone you care about has been injured in an accident, it is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance. The photo featured in this post was not taken at the actual scene of the accident.
Source: CBS
