One individual lost his or her life in a recent single-vehicle crash in New Jersey. The driver believed responsible was allegedly impaired when the wreck happened. Per state laws, family members of victims killed in drunk driving accidents may have legal recourse.
According to reports, on Thursday, March 9, a 29-year-old male was operating his vehicle in the Woodland Park area when he crashed. A passenger in the car, only described as a 20-year-old, was killed in the wreck. No further details about this incident have been reported.
The driver was promptly arrested. He has been charged with death by auto and DUI. A conviction on these charges could result in his imprisonment for up to 10 years, among other penalties. This case is still under investigation. Any witnesses to the event are being asked to come forward.
While there is nothing that can replace the life that was lost in this terrible incident, the victim’s surviving family members may seek compensation for their losses by pursing legal claims in civil court. Common actions filed following fatal drunk driving accidents include wrongful death, survival actions and dram shop claims. An experienced attorney will be able to review the details of this particular case and assist the family in pursuing all claims that are applicable to their situation in an effort to seek damages. In the New Jersey, recoverable damages may be economic or non-economic in nature and include things such as funeral expenses, lost wages and benefits, loss of consortium — among various others.
Source: nj.com, “Driver charged with death by auto in crash that killed passenger“, Anthony G. Attrino, March 10, 2017