No family in California or across the country is prepared for the unexpected death of a family member. Unfortunately, such a loss can be even more difficult when it could have been prevented. In fact, a fatal pedestrian accident may cause one family to carefully consider whether it is appropriate to file a wrongful death lawsuit in response.
The accident in question reportedly happened just before 10:30 p.m. on a day in mid-June. According to reports, the victim — whose identity was not released in the immediate aftermath of the crash — was walking on the side of the road in a rural area of California. Reports indicate that a southbound vehicle struck the pedestrian before leaving the scene.
The California Highway Patrol reports that evidence at the scene of the collision led them to a home that is approximately six miles south of where the accident happened. A 26-year-old man was taken into custody. That man now faces multiple criminal charges, including felony DUI, felony hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter.
Though the incident remains under investigation, the family of the victim must now prepare for life without their loved one. While dealing with the emotional consequences of such a loss, many families must also cope with the financial burdens created by lost wages and funeral expenses. If a loss is the result of negligence, surviving family members may choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the parties deemed responsible. Because it may be difficult to fully understand their legal options while also attempting to come to terms with their loss, many in California seek guidance from an attorney with experience with such cases.
