There has been much said in the media about the use of marijuana lately. As more states legalize its use, more attention will fall on the negative effects of using it. However, most states ban the use or possession of the substance, especially if there is no medical prescription for it. One woman from Fayetteville been charged with possession after a fatal hit-and-run accident allegedly ended the life of a pedestrian. In addition to the criminal charges, the driver could potentially face a wrongful death suit filed by the deceased woman’s loved ones.
In the evening hours of a late-September day, a 55-year-old woman was crossing the road. As she crossed, she was struck by a sports utility. She died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle that allegedly struck the woman did not remain at the scene. Police believe that the driver was a 30-year-old woman who was later located at her house. She has been charged with several crimes as a result of her suspected involvement including felony hit-and-run as well as possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
In addition to the emotions involved with the unexpected loss of a loved one, the woman’s surviving family members are likely also facing an uncertain financial future. At the very least, they must deal with the cost of a funeral. They may also be facing the loss of her wages as well as the cost of counseling for emotional distress. The family could receive compensation for these expenses if they can prove the Fayetteville driver’s negligence caused the death of the woman in a wrongful death lawsuit filed in a civil court. This could help alleviate the stress created by the financial burdens, allowing the family to cope with her death.
Source: The Fayetteville Observer, Police charge Fayetteville woman with DWI after fatal collision with pedestrian, Nancy McCleary, Sept. 24, 2013