The causes of a serious accident may not always be known immediately after the situation takes place. Authorities associated with the incident may need to conduct a long-term investigation in order to ensure that they understand to the best of their ability what factors may have played a role in a fatal accident. Such an investigation could potentially lead to charges, and a fatal event could cause a victim’s family to consider a wrongful death claim.
The family of a 57-year-old Illinois woman may be considering such legal options after the woman was killed in an accident. It was reported that a 60-year-old driver traveling north failed to maintain the proper lane and traveled into southbound traffic. As a result, her vehicle collided with the vehicle of a 31-year-old male driver, and the first vehicle apparently continued traveling and collided with a third vehicle, which was occupied by the 57-year-old accident victim.
The victim who suffered fatal injuries was declared dead on site. The male driver of the second vehicle reportedly suffered only minor injuries and was treated at the site of the accident. The 60-year-old driver was seriously injured, and at this time, she is considered to be in critical condition. Authorities are hoping any witnesses to the accident will come forward as the investigation proceeds.
The unexpected death of a loved one can have lasting and devastating effects on the victim’s family. The emotional distress that they likely feel could potentially have the added stress of having to contend with funeral arrangements and costs. As a result of the burdening situation, the family may wish to consider seeking monetary restitution from the party deemed at fault. A successful wrongful death case may allow them to be awarded compensation for damages permissible under Illinois law.
Source: newstrib.com, “UPDATE: Names released in fatal crash”, Tom Collins, Sept. 8, 2014