A fatal hit-and-run accident in Worcester recently left one woman dead and her brother seriously injured. The 29-year old hit-and-run driver was identified and has been arraigned in Worcester on several charges, including motor vehicle homicide, drunken driving and leaving the scene of an accident. The alleged hit-and-run driver had two previous drunk driving convictions and fled the accident scene.
According to authorities, the driver was drunk at the time he struck the 48-year old woman and the 46-year old man; the siblings were unloading groceries at the time of the accident. The victim who was killed was dragged 100 yards in the accident.
Fatal hit-and-run accidents can cause significant harm and trauma to victims and their families. Wrongful death and personal injury options are available to help victims harmed in these kinds of serious accidents.
Family members of victims of fatal accidents may be able to recover damages from the negligent party responsible for the accident. Criminal charges and citations are generally considered evidence of negligence. In hit-and-run circumstances, when the negligent driver is not found or identified, options may still be available to injured victims through insurance. Family members may be able to recover compensation for the damages they have suffered, including medical and funeral expenses, lost prospect of inheritance, loss of support and services and pain and suffering damages.
A fatal accident is a traumatic experience. The legal process seeks to make victims as whole as possible, though financial compensation will never bring a loved one back from a fatal accident.
Source: The Berkshire Eagle, “Massachusetts man charged in fatal Worcester hit-and-run,” Sept. 29, 2015