Negligent driving can sometimes prove to be fatal. Drivers should always remember that negligence can cause injuries not only to themselves, but also to others on the road.
Residents of Connecticut may recall a fatal car accident that occurred in Bridgeport last year. A 56-year-old woman was ejected from her car after it was hit by another vehicle. The car accident resulted in serious injuries to the woman, causing her death. The teenage driver who was responsible for the accident was recently charged with negligent homicide, reckless driving and other charges related to the woman’s death.
According to investigators, the 56-year-old was travelling in a Subaru when the teen’s car struck her on the left front of her car. The impact caused the car to strike another vehicle and also a concrete-filled steel pole. The pole was knocked two inches off of its foundation due to the force of the collision.
The 56-year-old was hospitalized and succumbed to her injuries approximately one month after the crash. The teenage driver of the other car and his passenger escaped injury. According to police, the teenager was travelling at a speed of more than 50 miles per hour at the time of the collision. Almost a year after the accident, the teen now faces serious criminal charges.
Many accidents have occurred in Connecticut due to negligence of others. An accident can easily be avoided if the driver is careful on the road. A motor vehicle accident can cause serious injuries and sometimes may also result in death. A person injured in the accident may be able to file a claim for monetary compensation from the accused. If the accident results in death, surviving family members of the deceased may be able file a claim for compensation from the responsible party, also referred to as a wrongful death claim.
Damages that can be claimed in a wrongful death suit may include compensation for loss of companionship and the financial value of support that the victim provided to the family. An accident may result in injuries, pain and suffering, property damage and catastrophic financial loss. A claim against the negligent driver can help the person emerge from the loss, provide for the loved ones left behind from a fatal accident and bring closure to a traumatic situation.
Source: Connecticut Post, “Teen charged in fatal crash,” Frank Juliano, Oct. 11, 2012.