It is never a good idea to travel in a vehicle that is driven by an intoxicated driver. However, Pennsylvania residents may agree that it is never easy to convince a person who is under the influence of alcohol not to get behind the wheel of a vehicle. Unfortunately, this often leads to an auto accident that claims the lives of passengers.
After a recent arrest, a Pennsylvania man is behind bars while awaiting a preliminary hearing. Troopers reported that friends of the man said they attempted to convince their friend to let one of them drive him home after he had been drinking on Sept. 7. All their attempts apparently failed, and they decided to follow him. However, his driving was so erratic that they reportedly pulled him over, and one friend opted to get in the utility task vehicle with him in an attempt to get him home safely.
Not long after they proceeded on their way, the 22-year-old allegedly drunk driver wrecked the vehicle. The friend who was concerned about the impaired man’s safety lost his life in the accident. The driver is now facing third-degree homicide and other charges.
Pennsylvania residents may not be aware that the family of the man who lost his life in this tragic auto accident is entitled to file a wrongful death claim against the driver who apparently caused the death of their loved one. If negligence by the driver can be proved, a civil court may award a monetary judgment to cover funeral and burial costs for the deceased victim. Additional monies may also be awarded for other financial losses recognized under applicable state laws.
Source: wtae.com, “Pennsylvania man held in crash that killed friend“, Oct. 28, 2014