North Carolina reality TV fans may be interested to learn that former “The Bachelor” star Chris Soules has settled a wrongful death suit with the family of a man he struck and killed with his pickup truck in 2017. He has agreed to pay the victim’s relatives $2.5 million.
On April 24, 2017, Soules was driving in Buchanan County, Iowa, when he rear-ended a John Deere tractor, killing its 66-year-old driver. He then reportedly fled the scene. According to authorities, he also had alcohol containers in his vehicle at the time of the collision. He was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious injury, which is an aggravated misdemeanor. He is still awaiting sentencing.
Before appearing on “The Bachelor”, Soules was a contestant on “The Bachelorette”. According to media reports, he has had alcohol-related legal troubles in the past. In 2006, he was convicted of driving while intoxicated. In 2001, he pleaded guilty to driving with an open container.
Families who lose loved ones in fatal car accidents caused by negligent drivers have the right to pursue legal action against the responsible party. An attorney could help gather evidence supporting a wrongful death lawsuit and file it in court. If it is successful, the family could be awarded adequate compensation for a variety of damages allowed by statute. Families could learn more about their legal options by scheduling a consultation with an attorney who handles these types of matters.
Source: Jezebel, “The Bachelor’s Chris Soules Will Pay $2.5 Million to the Family of Veteran in Wrongful Death Lawsuit,” Maria Sherman, May 22, 2019