Losing loved ones in automobile crashes is naturally traumatic for the surviving family members, and the financial consequences typically exacerbate the suffering. The civil justice system provides for their right to pursue recovery of damages after car accidents that were caused by the negligence of others. An Ohio family appears to have grounds for such a claim after a recent tragedy that led to the death of a teenager.
A report by the Ohio State Highway Patrol notes that the crash occurred shortly after 3 a.m. on a recent Sunday. An 18-year-old male high school student and a 17-year-old female were westbound on state Route 82 after a prom. According to authorities, the driver lost control of the car and smashed into two poles before the vehicle came to a halt in the median.
The teenage passenger did not survive the accident, and the driver was rushed to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. According to the crash report, officers did not suspect alcohol or excessive speed to have played a role in this wreck. However, it was noted that drugs might have been a factor.
Whenever lives are lost in car accidents, the surviving family members of the deceased victims may be entitled to pursue claims for financial relief. With the support of an experienced Ohio wrongful death attorney, financial losses and emotional damages might be recovered by litigating a wrongful death lawsuit against a driver deemed responsible. A lawyer can assist with investigating the accident and establishing negligence, which is the basis of a successful claim. This is typically a challenging process, and usually best handled by an experienced attorney.
Source: fox8.com, “Midview High School student killed, another seriously hurt in crash after prom“, Darcie Loreno, May 21, 2017