There are no relationships stronger than that of a childhood friend that has remained throughout adulthood. If one were to lose such a friendship to a tragic accident, the emotional devastation and desire for justice would be overwhelming. The friends of a young North Carolina woman are calling for additional criminal charges after a tragic, likely preventable, accident caused her death.
The 27-year-old woman was traveling on her moped in early September. According to police reports, a 45-year-old female driving in the opposite direction crossed the center line and struck the younger woman, who died at the scene. The older driver was charged with driving while under the influence and released. While the woman’s blood alcohol content is not currently available, police reports indicate that the woman stated she had been drinking tequila and seemed unaware of her involvement in the accident.
The friends for the deceased woman are upset that the woman was released with only the DWI charges. However, representatives for the police department state that it is not uncommon that there would be only one charge initially. Additional charges may be added as the police department completes their investigation into the accident.
While the death of the young woman has understandably sparked a quest for justice on her behalf, the family members are likely facing additional concerns. For example, they are likely wondering how they will cope with the unexpected expense of the woman’s funeral. In order to help with the financial implications of the accident, the family can seek a different form of justice in the North Carolina civil court. If they can prove that the accident was caused by negligence, the court could order that the family receive compensation in order to alleviate the financial ramifications of a loved one’s death.
Source: The Asheville Citizen-Times, Friends question lack of charges in Asheville crash, Sabian Warren, Sept. 9, 2013