When a driver has passengers in their vehicle, that driver becomes responsible for the lives of those other individuals. Therefore, if that vehicle is involved in a serious auto accident, that driver could potentially be at fault for any injuries or fatalities that occur. In the event that a passenger is killed in a single-car accident, the family of the victim could possibly have cause to file a civil claim against the driver.
The family of a college student in North Carolina may be considering their legal options after the student was killed in an accident. The situation reportedly took place when the 20-year-old female student was a passenger in a vehicle. The vehicle purportedly did not stay on the roadway, and as a result, the vehicle overturned.
The passenger unfortunately suffered fatal injuries as a result of the crash. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle was also injured in the accident, but her injuries were considered minor. At this time, the driver has been charged with death by the motor vehicle as a misdemeanor. It was not mentioned what may have caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Parents may often worry about their children while they are away at school, and learning that their child has died in an auto accident is likely heartbreaking. They must come to terms with the knowledge of their child’s death and take the possibly burdening steps of making funeral arrangements. Because such arrangements can be emotionally and financially taxing, the family may wish to explore their options for potentially pursuing compensation against the driver deemed at fault. A successful case could allow them to receive reparations for damages permitted under North Carolina law.
Source: wxii12.com, “North Carolina A&T student dies in crash“, July 14, 2014