The potential consequences of drinking and driving are well-known. Despite this, there are those in California who decide to put their personal safety as well as the safety of others they may encounter at risk by driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, officials claim that a recent fatal crash was caused by a drunk driver. In addition to criminal charges filed against the driver, surviving family members also have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
The crash happened on a day in late November. According to reports, a vehicle driven by a 47-year-old man struck an eastbound sedan, causing it to flip over a median into oncoming traffic. The driver of the sedan, a 50-year-old man, and his 14-year-old son were killed in the crash. Two other people, a 52-year-old man and his 12-year-old son, also lost their lives in the collision.
Police say that the driver they believe caused the accident drove away from the scene. His car ultimately stopped when it struck a parked car. He was taken into custody after police say he attempted to flee on foot. He now faces multiple criminal charges, including murder. Reports describe the man as a repeat DUI offender.
Unfortunately, two families in California are now facing the unexpected, preventable loss of their loved ones. In addition to their grief, many families who go through a similar experience also struggle as a result of the financial ramifications created by lost wages and funeral expenses. To help with these costs and help ensure that negligent parties are held accountable for their actions, many of the victims choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A successfully presented case could result in a monetary award that will help them financially, allowing them to focus on their emotional recovery.
Source: The Sacramento Bee, “Man who hit, killed 4 on I-80 facing murder, DUI charges“, Darrell Smith, Nov. 30, 2017
