A fatal car crash just a couple hours west of Worcester has led to charges of drunken driving and vehicular homicide for one man. According to police, a 34-year old man was driving drunk when he recently caused the fatal accident. A 64-year old man was killed when the alleged drunk driver crossed the center line and struck the victim’s vehicle. The accused drunk driver is also alleged to have been speeding and to have an open container of alcohol in his vehicle at the time of the fatal car crash.
The loss of a loved one in a fatal accident can come as an unexpected shock to family members. Families can suffer the loss of companionship and other types of damages following the loss. Because of this, families may be able to recover compensation for financial damages, including medical and funeral expenses, as well as damages for pain and suffering and some other types of damages. Compensation may be received through a wrongful death claim against the party whose negligence caused the fatal car crash.
A wrongful death cause of action allows surviving family members of a lost loved one to hold the party that caused the accident responsible and recover damages for the harm suffered. A wrongful death claim can be brought in situations when the negligence of another party caused an accident that resulted in a death. Negligence is usually established if the negligent driver, or drunk driver for instance, received a citation or was arrested on charges related to the incident.
Families face a variety of emotional and financial challenges and struggles following a fatal accident. A trained personal injury attorney can help surviving family members better understand the damages suffered and the legal options available.
Source: ABC6.com, “Pawtucket man accused in Mass. fatal accident,” Dec. 4, 2013
