Car accidents can take away everything a family holds dear. A pedestrian was recently struck and killed in a fatal hit-and-run car accident in a neighboring community northeast of the Roanoke City area. The 21-year old victim was killed after his vehicle left the roadway and he called family members for help. After calling family members, the victim returned to the roadway and as he was walking along it, he was hit and killed.
Authorities believe the victim was hit and killed by a large or commercial vehicle. Authorities noted the vehicle fled the scene following the accident and are seeking to identify the hit-and-run driver. Fatal car accidents can have a significant impact on the lives of surviving family members of victims. Family members of a lost loved one may face emotional and financial challenges following a fatal accident. In some circumstances, damages may be available to surviving family members through a wrongful death claim following a fatal car accident.
In circumstances of a hit-and-run accident, when the driver responsible for the loss cannot be identified or found, options may still exist for family members to receive compensation for damages through uninsured motorist insurance coverage options. In car accident situations generally, each set of circumstances is unique and situations families may find themselves facing can vary significantly. In common, however, are the understandable struggles presented by the unexpected loss of a loved one.
Because of the impact of a fatal car accident on families and loved ones, it is important to understand what legal options might be available to help them seek recovery of damages. A number of resources are available to help families suffering from the loss of a loved one in a fatal car accident.
Source: NBC29.com, “VSP Investigating Fatal Pedestrian Hit and Run in Nelson County,” Dec. 30, 2015