An auto accident involving a pedestrian is frightening because the victim stands little chance of escaping serious injury or death. Often they do not even realize what’s happening until it is too late. And yet, like other places in the United States, death comes to North Carolina roadways with alarming frequency. On Oct. 17, a a 53-year-old Iowa man jogging at about 7 p.m. near the intersection of North College Road and Gordon Road in Wilmington, North Carolina, was hit and killed.
The accident occurred when a silver Chevy driven by a Wilmington man ran a red light and then swerved to avoid a car that was rightfully in the intersection. The Chevy then traveled off the road, struck the jogger and overturned. The jogger was declared dead at the scene from his injuries, though he was not able to be identified until the following day when Wilmington co-workers called police after hearing of the car wreck. The victim leaves behind a wife and two sons who lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Chevy driver was charged by authorities with misdemeanor death by vehicle. It is most likely not the only legal action he will face as a result of his negligent and careless conduct. The wife and sons of the victim appear to have legal grounds to make a claim of wrongful death to recover monetary damages for the man’s wrongdoing.
Iowa State Troopers informed the wife of the tragedy on the afternoon of Oct. 18, and the family will now be left to grieve the sudden loss of a husband and father. While nothing can truly replace the tragic loss they have suffered, they will also want to know exactly what happened. An attorney experienced with personal injury law in North Carolina may offer some necessary support and assistance in holding negligent parties accountable.
Source: The Star News, “Jogger killed in traffic accident identified,” Julian March, Oct. 18, 2011
