On Jan. 6, a fatal crash occurred on U.S. Highway 90 near the Shoal River Bridge. A 35-year-old man who was driving a pickup truck westbound reportedly crossed over the centerline and hit a 52-year-old woman who was also driving a pickup truck. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. Neither was reported to be wearing a safety harness.
A 9-year-old boy who was a passenger in one of the vehicles was airlifted via helicopter to the Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola in critical condition. He was reportedly wearing a seat belt.
There was no word as to the cause of the accident, but the investigation was ongoing at the time of the report. If the investigation finds that the male driver was operating his vehicle in an unsafe manner, whether due to alcohol, fatigue or distracted driving, such as driving while texting, then the family of the woman who died may want to consider filing a wrongful death claim against the estate of the other driver.
Wrongful death claims are intended to compensate the family of the victim in order to help defray the costs associated with the accident. The court will also consider any emotional trauma the family experiences as well as the loss of future earnings and the number and needs of any dependents that the decedent was caring for. Talking with an attorney who is familiar with wrongful death claims in relation to car accidents may be a good source of guidance and support for grieving family members. An attorney may evaluate the specific situation and provide advice to help the family make the best choices available to them.
Source: NWF Daily News, “UPDATE: Two killed in crash on U.S. 90,” Trista Pruett, Jan. 6, 2015
