The soldier, who was the driver of the vehicle that was hit, was killed in the accident. The 33-year-old driver and a 20-year-old passenger in the vehicle that allegedly caused the collision were also killed. A third passenger in the same vehicle was taken by helicopter to a local hospital for treatment. Police investigators took a blood-alcohol sample from the driver who is believed to have triggered the collision.
The family members of someone who was killed in a car accidentcaused by another driver’s reckless or negligent actions may wish to file a wrongful death claim. A lawyer can provide advice to the family about the best courses of action to take in pursuing a claim. An attorney can also explain how the process of recovering compensation works, including handling discussions with the insurance company that held the policy for the at-fault driver in the case.
Plaintiffs may wish to discuss pursuing punitive damages against the at-fault party. The death of the at-fault party does not need to be an impediment toward seeking compensation from the insurance company or through a lawsuit against the at-fault party’s estate. An attorney may be able to offer some insights into the full range of damages that a plaintiff might pursue, including medical and funeral costs, lost income and pain and suffering.
Source: WJCL, “Fatalities, details released in crash that killed local soldier”, Christopher Buchanan, August 08, 2014
