The call that a friend or loved one has been killed in a motor vehicle accident is one that no one is prepared to receive. While an unexpected death in a traffic accident alone is difficult to handle, it is that much worse when the incident is the result of the actions of a driver who never should have been on the road in the first place, such as in the case of drunk driving.
This arguably happens all too often and Kansas City residents may remember the accident that took the life of a motorcyclist this past spring. The man died when an allegedly drunk driver in a truck failed to stop at a red light and struck him. Following the car accident the man in the vehicle that struck the motorcyclist ran off, leaving his truck near the scene.
Recently, the 24-year-old was criminally charged in the matter. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter. If convicted on the charge, he could face up to 19 years in prison.
The man may face more than just criminal charges related to the fatal crash. It is possible that the deceased man’s son will decide to seek financial damages from the man accused of causing the fatal accident. While this type of action will never replace the man who was lost, a successful claim could provide a bit of closure for the man’s son. The man’s son may be even more inclined to take such action due to the fact that he tragically lost his sister and mother at the hands of a drunk driver several years earlier.
Wrongful death lawsuits are often emotionally difficult for the individual who files the claim. For this reason most find it helpful to work with a lawyer who has a history of handling such cases. This knowledge often makes the process easier.
Source: KSHB, “Man charged in 2013 hit-and-run accident that killed Buddy Bronson,” July 15, 2013