This blog recently discussed the options and help that may be available to surviving family members when their loved one has been killed in a fatal accident. Unfortunately, Virginia State Police recently reported that over the Fourth of July holiday weekend a total of eight victims were killed in traffic accidents. Among the fatalities were five drivers, a teenage passenger, a motorcyclist and a pedestrian who died in seven fatal accidents throughout Virginia over the holiday weekend. Roanoke was among the cities that suffered a fatal accident.
In addition, over the holiday weekend, there were nearly 950 car accidents and 106 drivers were arrested for drunk driving, while 2,590 drivers were also arrested for reckless driving. Authorities reported that, so far this year, 345 victims have been killed in fatal traffic accidents in Virginia. The number of accident fatalities over the Fourth of July holiday was up this year from four in 2015. In 2014 there were 11 fatalities followed by seven in 2013, 10 in 2012 and 14 in 2011. Victims of car accidents and family members of loved ones killed in fatal accidents can face a litany of damages following an accident.
Because of the significant physical, financial and emotional impact of a fatal car accident, surviving family members may be able to recover damages through a wrongful death action. Damages depend on the unique circumstances of each situation and the characteristics of the lost loved one in wrongful death situations. When a loved one has been wrongfully killed in a fatal accident, surviving family members may be able to recover damages for medical and funeral expenses, as well as the loss of support and services, lost prospect of inheritance and pain and suffering damages.
In any situation when a loved one has been killed because of the negligence of another party, remedies may be available for surviving family members to consider. It is important for family members to be familiar with the resources available to them as they go through the difficult period of time following the unexpected loss of a loved one.
Source: wsls.com, “Eight people die in 4th of July weekend crashes across Virginia,” July 6, 2016