Drunk driving is a very serious matter that can cause accidents and deaths in a matter of seconds. Impaired drivers may make unwise decisions that could result in their being involved in a fatal collision. In such a case, the driver could face charges related to the accident, and the family of the victim may wish to seek compensation against the driver considered responsible by filing a wrongful death claim.
A family in Illinois may be considering such options after their loved one was killed in an accident. The situation reportedly took place when a driver of an SUV was traveling at an excessive rate of speed and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the SUV did not remain on the scene after the accident.
The passenger in the second vehicle was apparently ejected from the car after the crash and suffered fatal injuries. The driver of the vehicle had to be extracted from the wreckage and was transported from the scene with serious injuries. The driver of the SUV was later located by authorities, and the driver allegedly told police that he had consumed over 12 beers before driving. He is currently facing several charges in relation to the accident, including multiple felony allegations.
Deciding to pursue legal action against a driver considered at fault for a fatal accident can be difficult for a family that has just lost a loved one. As a result, they may wish to find out more about wrongful death claims in order to determine whether it could be right for their situation. Because the driver in this case is facing numerous charges, a case filed by the family of the victim could potentially have a greater chance of success if the driver is convicted of those charges in an Illinois court.
Source: Post-Tribune, “Charges filed in Cline Avenue fatal crash”, , Aug. 13, 2014