The consequences of motor vehicle accidents in Wilmington, North Carolina, and across the state can prove devastating, and those whose conduct caused the accident should be held responsible for their negligent actions. While one would hope that the at-fault driver would stay at the scene of the motorcycle accident and help render aid if necessary, many instead choose to try to run.
One woman was arrested for this on Oct. 25 after she tragically crashed into a motorcycle — an incident that caused the death of a father and his son. Just after 6 p.m. that evening, the father and son were riding on their motorcycle on Airport Rhodhiss Road just inside the Burke County line, when the vehicle of the woman crossed the center line and crashed into them. Emergency responders rushed to the accident, but the father and son were pronounced dead at the scene.
While the woman most likely hit the motorcycle by accident, it does not mean that she is blameless. And she committed a grave error when she tried to flee the scene. Fortunately, a witness followed her and led authorities to her car. She is now in custody.
When North Carolina residents are injured in a car accident, they have frequently found the aid of an experienced attorney to be invaluable. Here, the family may well consider filing a wrongful death claim against the woman. A wrongful death is a death caused by the negligent or careless conduct of another, and while filing the claim cannot possibly make amends for their loss, it can provide monetary compensation for the emotional suffering the family is surely going through. Moreover, the claim can also possibly provide for any wages the father was earning and for the funeral costs.
Source: WCNC, “Two killed on motorcycle in hit and run wreck,” Oct. 25, 2011
