When a driver gets behind the wheel, he or she is expected to exercise a certain amount of care while operating a vehicle. When a driver fails to uphold this duty, a serious or fatal accident could ensue. Whether a driver is speeding, texting while driving, failing to yield or stop at a traffic signal or driving while intoxicated, a negligent driver could seriously alter the lives of others on the roadway.
After a fatal accident in Phoenix last spring, a 27-year-old woman was charged with second-degree murder, aggravated assault, endangerment of others and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. Recently, the young woman pleaded guilty to manslaughter and aggravated assault.
The charges and resulting conviction stemmed from an accident that occurred at a Phoenix bus stop. According to reports, the woman was intoxicated and under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. The woman allegedly ran a red light and crashed into a bus stop, which resulted in the death of a 50-year-old man and injuries to another.
When a driver is negligent and causes an accident, he or she could be found both criminally and civilly liable. In addition to facing criminal penalties, civil suits could be filed against the driver. In this case, the loved ones of the deceased could file a wrongful death suit in order to recover compensation for funeral costs, lost wages and damages. The injured individual could file a personal injury claim in order to gain compensation to cover medical bills and other damages related to the accident.
Following a fatal accident, those affected, including loved ones of a deceased, should seek to understand their options. They could have a cause of action that could help them recover compensation, which, in turn, would ultimately alleviate financial burdens associated with the fatal crash.
Source: ABC 15, “Elsa Olivares pleads guilty in fatal Arizona bus stop crash,” Jan. 14, 2014