Everyone is aware that speed limits are in place in an attempt to ensure the safety of all drivers and others using our roads. These speed limits are often assigned with the idea that there may be other factors that could come into play that may require a driver to lower his or her speed. For example. roads become slick due to rain or snow or visibility becomes reduced by fog. A driver’s failure to reduce his or her speed, even below the posted speed limits, in conditions such as these could result in a serious collision. A North Carolina teenager has recently been charged in a rainy day accident that resulted in the death of a young woman.
The woman, a 20-year-old college student, was travelling on a North Carolina road in May 2013. Police suspect that the driver of a pickup truck, a teenager who was 17 at the time, may have lost control in part due to weather and road conditions. As a result, his vehicle hit the car driven by the young woman.
The woman became trapped inside her car. Although she was transported to an area hospital for treatment, she later died as a result of the injuries she suffered. After an investigation, police determined that criminal charges against the teenager were warranted. He has now been charged with a misdemeanor related to the woman’s death.
This woman’s death was likely a devastating blow for her friends and family. The family is likely also facing unintended and unexpected financial consequences. In the case of a tragic accident such as this, families often must deal with funeral costs, medical bills and loss of income. The surviving family of this North Carolina victim has the option of filing a civil case. If evidence can be provided that proves her death was caused by the other driver’s negligence, the court could award them monetary compensation to help with financial losses associated with the accident.
Source: witn.com, Driver Charged In May Crash That Killed ECU Student, No author, Jan. 16, 2014