A North Carolina car accident turned tragic when an 8-year-old child died from her injuries. This particular accident took an even more tragic turn when it was later discovered that the man allegedly responsible for the accident intentionally turned his vehicle toward his girlfriend, to whom he was engaged to be married, and her daughter before the accident.
Authorities believe the mother and daughter were in the man’s vehicle prior to the accident in the parking lot of BI-LO in Asheville. An argument erupted and the pair left the vehicle. The man apparently left the parking lot and drove away, but later turned around, crossed over to the westbound lanes and struck them both while they were walking on the sidewalk.
The woman was severely injured and has been transported to Mission Hospital, where she is listed in fair condition. Her daughter passed away at the hospital. The man has been charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Police say evidence gathered at the accident scene suggests this car accidental was intentional.
This North Carolina car accident has far-reaching consequences. While many accidents are due to someone not paying attention, this one may well have been intentional, and if the man is convicted, he will likely be facing a lengthy prison term and perhaps even the death sentence. Although this man is facing criminal charges, his actions have devastated a family and took the life of a young girl, way before her time. While a wrongful death claim is likely the furthest thing from the mother’s mind at this tragic moment, a successful claim could include punitive damages for negligence as well as compensation for funeral expenses and other medical costs.
Source: The Asheville Citizen-Times, “Candler man charged with first-degree murder in girl’s death,” Romando Dixson, May 25, 2012
