Losing a loved one in a fatal accident is a devastating experience. For some West Virginia families, seeing the person responsible for the wreck held criminally accountable can be an important part of the grieving process. While not all drivers face criminal charges for their actions, one man recently pleaded guilty for his role in a deadly car accident.
The 28-year-old man was behind the wheel of a water tanker traveling 58 mph when he drove into vehicles stopped at a traffic light. The water tanker first hit a smaller vehicle, which was stopped directly behind a dump truck. The passenger vehicle was crushed between the water tanker and dump truck, killing a 48-year-old father and his 17-year-old daughter.
An investigation into the wreck concluded that the driver of the water tanker never applied the brakes before he hit the car. According to investigators, while approaching the intersection, there are about 41 seconds of visibility before reaching the traffic light. There are also multiple traffic-control and warning signs leading up to the intersection, all of which the driver either ignored or failed to take note of.
The victim’s family is apparently already pursuing a civil claim against the driver. Filing a wrongful death suit after a deadly car accident is not an uncommon approach for West Virginia families who are dealing with the unexpected death of a loved one. Any compensation from these suits can help families address the financial and emotional damages they may be dealing with, including unexpected funeral costs and lost income.
