The circumstances under which a fatality takes place can be vital in determining how a victim’s loved ones may be able to move forward legally. If a driver considered at fault also dies, a person may be able to file a claim against the driver’s estate. If the driver deemed responsible does not die but is a minor or otherwise not the owner of the vehicle, the vehicle’s owner could possibly also be held liable in a car accident.
Loved ones of two teens killed in an Illinois accident may be wondering how to handle their current circumstances. It was reported that the two teens were passengers in an SUV when the SUV collided with a tractor trailer at an intersection. The report stated that the SUV did not stop at a red light, and as a result, the vehicle crashed into the truck as it was attempting to make a turn.
Two 16-year-old passengers suffered head trauma that proved fatal after the accident. The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle was also seriously injured and was transported from the scene. Three other occupants of the SUV were apparently uninjured in the crash. The semi-truck driver was also uninjured in the accident.
Because the driver of the SUV was a minor, it may be important to determine to whom the vehicle belonged. If the SUV did not belong to the driver, the owners could potentially be held liable in the Illinois car accident. Such information could be important to determine, especially if the victims’ families are considering legal action. Wrongful death claims against the appropriate parties could allow for the pursuit of restitution for losses, funeral costs and other permitted damages.
Source: wifr.com, “UPDATE: Funeral Services Held for Crash Victims”, March 16, 2015