When individuals are passengers in a vehicle, they likely cannot control the actions of the person driving. As such, they are at risk of being injured due to any mistakes that the driver may make. In some instances, a driver may lose control and cause an accident. If a crash results in a fatal car accident, the victim’s family may wish to take legal action against the driver.
A recent accident in Ohio followed a reported car chase. A vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed after authorities attempted to stop the vehicle. It was noted that authorities ended the pursuit before the driver of the speeding vehicle struck multiple parked cars. The collisions caused the vehicle to overturn.
The crash caused a passenger in that vehicle to suffer fatal injuries. That passenger was reported as being a 22-year-old female, and she was declared dead at the site of the accident. The driver, whose age was not given, was seriously injured. Authorities are currently working to determine whether alcohol or drugs may have played a role in the accident, in addition to excessive speed.
Because of the circumstances under which the fatal car accident took place, the driver could potentially face criminal charges as well as civil legal action from the victim’s family. The family could have reason to file a wrongful death claim against the driver of the vehicle, as well as anyone with an ownership interest in the vehicle involved in the tragedy. This claim could help them seek recompense for their loss, financial struggles and/or other damages permitted under Ohio law.
Source: whio.com, “ID released of fatal victim in Springfield crash“, June 7, 2015