Car accidents happen all the time. In most instances, these wrecks are relatively minor, resulting in some property damage and some bumps and bruises. Other times, though, a car crash can leave victims with serious injuries, including brain injuries. Some of these victims are left permanently disabled. Others are killed as a result. This is especially true in pedestrian accidents. These individuals lack the safety features afforded those in vehicles, and they are often taken by surprise.
This happened recently in Wilmington when a 52-year-old man was struck while he was crossing the road. The incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, left the victim with serious injuries. Although he was transported to the hospital, he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. However, at this time, the only description they have is that the vehicle was a sedan of light color.
Tragically, this man’s family, and other families coping with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, will have a long road ahead of it. Not only is it difficult to deal with the emotions from a loved one’s passing, but the financial ramifications can be overwhelming. Funeral costs, lingering medical expenses, and even a loved one’s lost wages can leave a family in a dire financial predicament.
This is where a wrongful death lawsuit may be able to help. If successful, compensation may be awarded to a family to help cover the damages. Winning one of these cases can be tough, though, especially when the defense tries to claim that the victim was negligent. In the pedestrian accident context, this can be seen when the victim was not in a crosswalk, or they suddenly jumped out into the road. To learn how to handle these types of issues and give themselves the best possible chance of success under the circumstances, these families may want to speak with a legal professional.
Source: 6abc.com, “Man killed In Wilmington hit-and-run crash,” May 7, 2017
