Some North Carolina families may have had their lives impacted by a drunk driving accident. Any time that someone chooses to get behind the wheel after consuming alcoholic beverages, it is possible that they could be involved in an accident that results in serious injuries or even a fatality. Victims of a drunk driving accident have legal rights available to them and may be able to seek compensation through the civil courts.
A recent accident blamed on drunk driving has ended with a fatality. A man was speeding in a Suburban when he rear-ended a GMC at an intersection. The impact forced both vehicles over the center median. The Suburban driver then collided head-on with another vehicle. The GMC driver died at the scene of the accident.
There is no word on whether the Suburban driver sustained any injuries in the accident, but he is now facing several criminal charges. Authorities have charged him with DWI, driving with a revoked license, driving recklessly and involuntary manslaughter. Such charges could potentially bring serious consequences in the event of a conviction.
The victim’s family could seek a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver deemed responsible. Although he is facing criminal consequences for his role in this drunk driving accident, he is not absolved of any civil liability in North Carolina. While the family has not yet publicized any plans of a wrongful death lawsuit, this is something they could consider in the future. Doing so won’t change the tragic circumstances, but it could allow the family to feel like an additional measure of justice has been leveled against the driver whose alleged actions have apparently taken their loved one away.
Source: Fox Charlotte, “Man Faces Charges After Deadly Accident in Northwest Charlotte,” Caryn Little, Feb. 21, 2013
