Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. Not only that, but it puts other drivers on the road at risk should the intoxicated driver lose control. While none of this is news to most people in Indianapolis, drunk or drugged driving accidents continue to happen.
Recently, a fatal accident occurred in Madison County. An off-duty police officer was driving a pickup truck when he rear-ended another vehicle, sending it into a utility pole. The crash killed a man who was a passenger in the car and seriously injured his pregnant wife, who was scheduled to give birth that night. Now, prosecutors believe that the off-duty cop may have been under the influence of hydrocodone, a powerful painkiller.
The young mother underwent an emergency delivery after the accident. She and the baby are both recovering from the incident.
Losing a loved one in this way is devastating. Now, a young mother is left to care for her daughter alone. Anyone who found themselves in this situation would be heartbroken and frightened. Although coping with the emotional aspect of a spouse’s death is unimaginable, losing financial support may also be worrisome. For this reason, Indiana personal injury laws allow family members to seek compensation from a driver who caused or contributed to the death of their loved one.
After a fatal accident, the family of the victim may choose to pursue a wrongful deathlawsuit against the negligent driver. If a lawsuit is successful, it can result in compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost wages and other damages. Because gathering the information you need for a wrongful death lawsuit and presenting it effectively Is not always easy, it may be helpful to work with an experienced personal injury attorney.
Source: WTHR Channel 13, “One killed in two car crash in northeast side of Indianapolis,” David MacAnally, April 8, 2014