Riding as a passenger with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs is never advisable. However, in some cases a person might not actually be aware of the presence of impairment, and since the individual has little control over what happens next, he or she could end up suffering the consequences of another party’s decisions. A recent single-vehicle accident has reportedly led to the apparent wrongful death of a passenger in West Virginia.
Law enforcement agents advised they received reports of the accident at around 7 p.m. on a recent Tuesday. Initial investigations indicate that the incident took place after the driver of a truck suddenly fell asleep behind the wheel. The truck reportedly proceeded to veer off the road and strike a nearby telephone pole shortly thereafter, subsequently splitting the pole in two.
Authorities have advised that the impact of the crash ejected a passenger from the truck. Although she was rushed to a medical facility for treatment, she reportedly passed away just a few hours after arriving at the hospital. Police initiated an investigation into the incident and claim that the driver was impaired at the time. This person now faces charges for DUI causing death and operating on a suspended license.
The sudden loss of a family member can be a difficult thing to accept, especially when it comes as the result of another person’s negligence. Those who experience such loss could choose to speak with an attorney for guidance on their available legal avenues. An attorney can examine the incident and assist a client in West Virginia in pursuing the full amount of restitution entitled through a wrongful death claim against the party deemed responsible.
