Being in a car accident can be a pivotal moment in a person’s life. For some, it may mean having to spend an extensive amount of time recovering for injuries; others might not survive. And when multiple members of a family are involved, the effects can be devastating. This is the situation one family from Burlington County is now facing. A car accident this past weekend claimed the life of a 74-year-old woman from Tabernacle; her 76-year-old husband was injured in the crash as well.
Officials in Gloucester County say that the 38-year-old woman who was driving the other vehicle involved in the crash has been charged with vehicular homicide in relation to the woman’s death. According to officials there, the woman is also suspected of driving under the influence at the time of the crash. The woman’s bail was set at $100,000.
While the criminal case against a person in a motor vehicle accident might take some time to come to a conclusion, it does not preclude the victims or their family members from pursuing compensation from any negligent parties involved in the accident. The loss of a spouse is a devastating prospect to consider for anyone, and it is made worse knowing that someone else might be responsible.
Injured people should be aware that they have rights in the aftermath of a tragic accident. Many people in this situation seek the help of experienced personal injury attorneys to help guide them through the legal hurdles they might face in an effort to seek compensation.
Source: WPVI-TV, “Alleged DUI driver charged in South Jersey fatal crash,” April 30, 2014