A North Carolina family is in mourning after the tragic loss of their 17-year-old daughter late last month. According to police reports, the young woman lost her life in a car accident that took place near the Interstate 40 East and Interstate 440 split. The fatal accident also injured the driver and another passenger traveling with the girl.
Emergency responders arrived on scene and transported all three women to WakeMed medical center. Despite the hospital’s best efforts, the teen’s injuries were too severe and she passed away later that day.
Members of the Raleigh Police Department have confirmed that the crash took place after the young woman swerved to avoid colliding with a vehicle that was merging onto Interstate 40. As a result, she lost control of her vehicle and drove across two lanes before striking a tree.
The merging driver returned his vehicle immediately to Interstate 440 and fled the scene. The man was later apprehended and charged with felony hit and run, unsafe lane change, and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
The penalties for the driver, if convicted, can include jail time as well as hefty fines. The man also faces a felony hit-and-run charge, which can result in harsher sentencing.
The family of the young woman is undoubtedly heartbroken over this tragic loss of life. The accident is a stark reminder of how dangerous the roadways can be. Seeking the advice of an attorney can be a helpful step to take when faced with the aftermath of a fatal accident such as this one.
Source: WFMY News 2, “Teenager From Trinity Killed In Wreck On I-40 In Raleigh,” Devetta Blount, 26 June 2011
