As technology becomes more and more accessible, people are increasingly using electronic and mobile devices, including cellphones, in all locations and at all times. Unfortunately, while technology can provide many benefits, the use of mobile devices while driving often results in fatal accidents.
In Louisiana, a 23-year-old man was recently charged with negligent homicide, reckless operation and felony disregarding of a stop sign after he crashed into the car of an 83-year-old woman. She was crossing the highway in her vehicle when the man failed to stop at a stop sign and hit her vehicle. The woman was fatally injured as a result. Reports indicate that the man failed to stop at the stop sign because he was distracted by a handheld electronic device.
Driving is inherently a dangerous activity, made even more so by all of the distractions, electronic and otherwise. When Louisiana residents are involved in a fatal car crash, their family and friends suffer in a variety of ways. In addition to the medical bills and funeral expenses, the loss of the person’s income can create extreme financial challenges. While everyone can work to make sure they are careful drivers, people cannot always protect themselves from someone else’s recklessness. When a car crash occurs as a result of a negligent driver, the victim’s surviving family members can bring a wrongful death lawsuit in order to recover damages.
While it may seem daunting to initiate a lawsuit or fight a legal battle with insurance companies so soon after the loss of a loved one, obtaining compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit for medical, funeral and burial expenses can be vitally important for the surviving family members’ future and well-being.
Source: Claims Journal, “Louisiana Driver Distracted by Device in Fatal Crash,” Jan. 17, 2013