The driver who allegedly caused a fatal hit-and-run accident in Jan. 2019 was recently arrested and charged in the incident. The man had apparently left the state of West Virginia and was located across state lines before being brought to face the criminal allegations. As the investigation into the accident and the driver’s alleged negligence continue, the victim’s family might consider pursuing a wrongful death claim for the fatal accident.
On Jan. 21, police responded to reports of a hit-and-run accident involving a 60-year-old man. The victim had apparently pulled over to the side of the road and then exited his vehicle in order to tighten some straps on a trailer he was towing. As he stood alongside the road, he was allegedly struck and killed by a 45-year-old man. Witnesses told police that the driver briefly stopped before fleeing the scene.
The driver then left the state but was pulled over later that same day, although he initially tried to flee before finally stopping. He was ultimately arrested for a DUI. It is likely that alcohol was a contributing factor in the fatal accident. The man is currently charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death, as well as DUI involving death.
Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is a traumatizing experience. Surviving family members often face overwhelming emotional and financial damages that they might not otherwise expect to deal with during the grieving process, such as medical bills and loss of income. While nothing can undo the harm caused by negligent drivers in these situations, a successfully pursued wrongful death claim can help families address these overwhelming costs in West Virginia.