Young people are often known for their reckless behavior. They have few worries and aren’t yet bogged down with the responsibilities of a career or children. Often these actions end in negative consequences for their individual self, but for others as well. One young man is dealing with the death of a passenger in his vehicle after his alleged reckless behavior caused an accident in North Carolina. Although he already faces criminal charges, the family of the deceased passenger also has the option of filing a wrongful death case in civil court.
The accident occurred in the early morning hours of mid-July. Police allege that a 22-year-old driver was traveling approximately 25 mph over the speed limit when he ran off the road. The car struck a tree, flipped before striking a second tree and stopping on its roof.
A 19-year-old passenger in the vehicle was ejected from the car and died at the scene. The driver only suffered minor injuries. The driver has been charged with driving under the influence and a felony related to the teenager’s death. Police officers still await the results of blood tests to determine how much alcohol the driver had in his system.
When a death occurs so unexpectedly to such a young person, family members, in addition to their emotionally devastation over the loss, are unprepared for the financial repercussions, including funeral expenses. If the family decides to file a wrongful death suit in a North Carolina civil court, they could be compensated for such costs if the court rules in their favor. Stress over their financial situation is the last thing a grieving family should have on their mind after the loss of a loved one.
Source: Fayetteville Observer, “Virginia man charged in fatal accident Sunday morning on Bunnlevel-Erwin Road,” Nancy McCleary, July 15, 2013