There are basic traffic laws that must be obeyed to ensure all roadway users’ safety. While most people are generally willing to do so, being under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair a person’s ability to make rational decisions while they are driving, putting the lives of many at risk and potentially resulting in a wrongful death. In fact, a man in California now faces multiple criminal charges after police say his actions resulted in a woman’s death.
The incident happened at approximately 9:30 p.m. on a day in mid-June. Police say that a 24-year-old man was headed south on a California roadway when he made a pass described as “unsafe.” As a result, his vehicle allegedly struck a pickup truck containing a man, woman and three children.
The man and three children were injured in the crash. Unfortunately, the woman, who was reportedly pregnant, died after being transported to the hospital. The driver of the other vehicle was also injured but was imprisoned upon his release from the hospital. He faces multiple charges, including gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.
While law enforcement officials work toward justice in the woman’s death, her surviving family members must now come to terms with the news of her death. While the emotional implications are obvious, many families also suffer financially due to lost wages and funeral expenses. As a result, many in California choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If it can be proved that their loved one’s death was caused by another person’s negligence, they could receive a monetary award that will allow them to ensure their financial obligations are met.
