Many people in California have routines. They get up in the morning, get ready for their day, drop their kids off at school and go to work. Unfortunately, the actions of others can irrevocably and permanently alter a family’s routine. For example, police believe that a driver who was under the influence of alcohol caused an accident that could potentially result in a wrongful death lawsuit.
The incident reportedly happened just before 8 a.m. on a day in mid-November. Police claim that a pickup truck driven by a 25-year-old male crossed the centerline, driving into oncoming traffic. As a result, the pickup allegedly drove head-on into a car driven by a 27-year-old woman. The woman died as a result of injuries suffered in the collision.
A 7-year-old girl in the car also suffered severe injuries in the collision. Passersby were able to pull the girl from the wreckage and administer CPR, actions that one police officer claims likely saved her life. Witnesses also extricated the driver of the pickup which had caught fire. He has since been arrested, suspected of driving under the influence but remains hospitalized.
While the relationship between the deceased driver and the young girl have yet to be confirmed, officers speculate that it was a mother driving her daughter to school. Unfortunately, what likely began as a mundane morning for the pair quickly turned into a tragedy, potentially leaving the California family concerned about the financial ramifications of the unexpected death of a loved one as well as the long-term medical needs of the injured girl. As a result, surviving family members may choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver police believe caused the accident to ensure they are able to cope with medical costs, funeral expenses and lost wages.
Source: pressdemocrat.com, “Suspected DUI driver in fatal Sonoma Valley crash, Santa Rosa man arrested“, Randi Rossman and Nich Rahaim, Nov. 14, 2017
