Many organizations, including those funded by the government, go to great lengths to inform the general public about the potential dangers of drinking and driving. Despite their efforts, people continue to get behind the wheel of a car while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, police in California believe that one woman’s recent decision to drive after drinking resulted in a wrongful death.
The incident happened one August night. Reports indicate that a 20-year-old woman was driving a vehicle containing four passengers. She reportedly drove the vehicle on the shoulder of a curve and overcorrected. Police believe that the sedan crossed both traffic lanes before striking a boulder and tree before landing on its roof.
One of the passengers, whose identity release was delayed in order to inform family members, passed away as a result of injuries, including a broken neck, suffered in the accident. A 21-year-old woman broke her pelvis and both her legs while a 20-year-old woman broke a leg and her collarbone. The driver has been arrested, suspected of drunk driving.
Unfortunately, a California family must now deal with the unexpected — and likely preventable — death of their loved one. While the emotional implications of such a loss are clear, many people also suffer as a result of the financial consequences. Loss of wages in addition to funeral expenses can quickly become overwhelming for a grieving family. As a result, many people who lost a loved one due to another person’s negligence often choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A successfully presented case can result in a financial award, allowing a family to focus on their recovery rather than how they will meet their financial obligations.
Source: fresnobee.com, “CHP said she was drinking underage. Now 1 is dead, 4 hurt in Three Rivers crash“, Ashleigh Panoo, Aug. 19, 2017
