The death of any individual due to a car accident can be harrowing news for the victim’s loved ones. If the victim was also pregnant and the unborn baby also dies, the situation can become even more devastating and potentially complicated from a legal perspective. The driver considered responsible for the auto accident could potentially face charges for the deaths of two individuals, and the family of the decedents may have cause to file a wrongful death claim.
A family in North Carolina may be looking into such options after a fatal accident recently took place. It was reported that a 21-year-old female who was seven months pregnant was a passenger in a vehicle when the vehicle left the roadway. The car then struck an interstate exit sign that was made of metal and concrete, which resulted in serious damage.
The pregnant woman and her baby both died as a result of the accident. The driver suffered serious injuries and is currently considered to be in critical condition. It was also reported that two toddlers were in the vehicle, one of which suffered injuries. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, and it was not reported whether any charges had been filed.
The family of the pregnant victim is likely devastated over the loss of the mother and unborn child. While the investigation into the North Carolina auto accident continues, they may wish to look into wrongful death claim options and whether such a claim could be suited for their situation. Pursuing compensation may not bring their loved one back, but a successful case could allow them to be awarded restitution that could assist with the payment of funeral costs and other resulting expenses.
Source: wsoctv.com, “Pregnant woman, unborn baby killed in I-85 crash“, Sept. 7, 2014