The untimely loss of a loved one is something no family should ever have to experience. Unfortunately, a car accident can occur at any moment, especially in the presence of negligence, and a family could be left facing a variety of hardships — emotional and financial alike. Should another party be deemed at fault in a fatal collision, surviving family members of a victim in West Virginia could be entitled to restitution through a wrongful death claim.
According to recent studies, West Virginia ranks above the national average in fatal motor vehicle accidents. While there may be a variety of circumstances that contribute to these incidents, studies suggest that the mountainous terrain in various parts of the state might play a part. When coupled with the presence of inclement weather, such terrain could prove hazardous to navigate.
However, the study also states that one out of every four fatal accidents in the state also involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol. While most drivers may choose to approach potentially hazardous terrain with caution and remain sober while driving, they cannot control the actions of others. Even the safest of drivers can be placed at risk when confronted with the negligence of another party.
When suffering a loss due to the negligence of another party, a family may wish to pursue accountability through the civil justice system. Since the process can be complex, a family could benefit from seeking guidance from a personal injury attorney. An attorney can examine the situation and assist a client in West Virginia in pursuing the full amount of compensation deserved through a wrongful death claim against the party deemed culpable.
Source: wvgazettemail.com, “WV fatal car accident rate outpaces other states“, Heather Lee Naples, Brianna Clark and Nayion Perkins, Dec. 25, 2017
