4 Bangor Businesses are Sued Over a 2021 Fatal Crash in Hampden
Four Bangor businesses have been sued by the parents of a man killed in a 2021 crash in Hampden.
How Did the Crash Happen?
The crash happened just before 10:00 on the evening of November 18th, 2021 near the intersection of Main Road North and the Coldbrook Road in Hampden. A Subaru driven by 22-year-old Christian Broberg of Winterport and containing one passenger, 23-year-old Tyler Wheaton of Hampden, collided with a Kia, driven by 37-year-old Laura Brissette of Hampden. Investigators determined that Brissette was turning left onto Main Road North from Coldbrook Road when Broberg's vehicle lost control at the crest of the hill and struck the Kia's left-rear door. The Subaru then careened through the guardrail and landed in the Soudabscook Stream, ejecting both men into the water. Brissette and her husband were not seriously hurt in the crash, but their car was demolished. Both Broberg and Wheaton died at the scene.
Which Businesses are Named in the Lawsuit?
Now Tyler's parents, Sharon and Michael Wheaton, are suing four Bangor businesses who they claim served the young men alcohol, despite the fact that both were intoxicated. According to WGME-TV, Broberg's blood alcohol level was .30 percent, nearly four times the .08 legal limit for operating a motor vehicle in the state of Maine. The businesses named in the lawsuit include Diamond's Gentleman's Club, Benjamin's Pub, Carolina Sports and Spirits, and Applebee's Restaurant. Under Maine's Liquor Liability Act, businesses can be held accountable for damages, up to $350,00, excluding medical bills, if a server provides alcohol to a visibly intoxicated person. In addition, the Wheaton's are suing Brissette, who was driving the other vehicle involved in the crash, and Broberg's estate, for unspecified damages.
What are the Reasons for the Lawsuit?
Court documents state the lawsuit claims Brissette pulled out in front of Broberg's vehicle, causing the Subaru to swerve out of control. The accident report, at the time of the crash, stated that she was not at fault and that Broberg's vehicle, which was allegedly being driven recklessly, was in the wrong lane at the time of impact. In addition, the lawsuit alleges that the two men were visibly intoxicated when served alcohol at the four named establishments.
WGME-TV reached out to attorneys for both sides of the lawsuit, but did not receive any response.