Drivers in North Carolina are aware of the inherent risks associated with traveling by motor vehicle. Because of this knowledge, most are willing to take certain precautions to protect themselves and those with whom they may come into contact. Unfortunately, others continue to speed and fail to obey other safety precautions. In fact, the family of a deceased woman may choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against a driver who recently pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
The incident happened in July 2017. According to reports, a now 21-year-old male was driving north on a North Carolina roadway. Police say that he was speeding at the time of the accident and was under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
Reports claim that the vehicle the man was driving slammed into the back of a motorcycle; the motorcyclist, a 30-year-old woman, was thrown approximately 250 feet into the air. She died instantly due to blunt force injuries. The first vehicle continued on to strike another vehicle, but no other injuries were reported. The man recently pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the accident. He could spend up to 25 years in prison as a result.
While a prison sentence can provide a sense of closure to grieving family members, it will do little to help them cope with the emotional and financial fallout of their loss. Funeral expenses in combination with lost wages can often create a significant hardship on family members. As such, many families who have lost a loved one due to the actions of another person choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. A conviction of criminal charges stemming from the accident can support claims of negligence in a North Carolina civil court.