A fatal accident in Roanoke left a 71-year-old man dead after a car went off the road and slammed in to building belonging to a local retirement community. Before hitting the building, the driver struck the man who later died and also hit a fence. The man was standing along the side of the street near a bus stop. Immediately after the accident, police stated the man had suffered serious injuries and took him to an area hospital, where the man died. The driver of the vehicle that struck him was also taken to the hospital.
Police are still investigating the incident but are saying that the driver of the vehicle has cooperated in the process to this point. Police do not at this time suspect that the driver was speeding and also do not suspect alcohol and drugs. Police have suggested the driver may have had a hard time controlling the car because of a medical issue but also say that the matter will be forwarded to the county attorney for a review of charges or citations.
Neither the man who died nor the driver of the vehicle had any connection to the retirement community that had its building damaged. No one else was injured in connection with this accident.
This sort of accident is somewhat difficult since it appears the driver of the vehicle may be a nice person who was not trying to do anything wrong. However, the reality is that an innocent pedestrian, who may have just been waiting for a bus, is dead because the driver did not control the vehicle for whatever reason.
It is important to remember, though, that wrongful death suits are, fundamentally, not about punishing anyone. The purpose they serve is to make sure the families of innocent victims get paid compensation by those who have the responsibility to pay it. While this accident is still under investigation, the grieving family may want to evaluate their legal options.
Source: WDBJ 7, “Roanoke police confirm pedestrian hit on Brandon Avenue on Friday has died,” Tim Saunders, July 14, 2017.