Most people in good health do not have an expectation that the end of their life is near. Unfortunately, even the slightest of miscalculations while driving a car can lead to a serious death of injury. The families of four victims of a fatal North Carolina car accident are facing this reality today. Some of these families may also be considering filing a wrongful death case in order to cope with the financial ramifications of the accident.
In early November, four friends, including a 32-year-old driver and his passengers who ranged in age from 32 to 57, were traveling on a North Carolina road. Police say the driver lost control of the vehicle before running up a hill and into a light pole. The car then hit a light and brick sign before flipping and coming to a rest.
First responders report that two people were lying on the road outside of the car when they arrived. None of the vehicle’s occupants survived the accident. Although police are still investigating, they do believe speed may have played a factor. It is unknown if alcohol was involved.
Deaths that occur so unexpectedly often leave family members with expenses that are difficult to manage. In addition to funeral expenses, family members are often left wondering how they will make their mortgage payments, for example, if experiencing a loss of income. While the death of all the occupants is tragic, if the passengers’ family members can prove the accident was caused by the driver’s negligence, a successful wrongful death case in a North Carolina civil court could help them with expenses stemming from the accident. If sufficient evidence is presented, the court could award the family members monetary damages to help with the relevant expenses resulting from the accident.
Source: wcnc.com, Police: 4 killed in overnight accident on South Tryon, No author, Nov. 1, 2013