Authorities in California report that a 19-year-old man was taken into custody following a fatal accident in the North Highlands area. Police say that the man ran a red light while speeding and caused the death of a 58-year-old man in the process.
The incident took place on March 20 when a police officer noticed a car speeding on Watt Avenue in North Highlands. The officer stated that 19-year-old driver may have been driving at least twice as fast as the posted speed limit of 45 mph, and though he attempted to intercept the vehicle, he was unable to do so before it reached the red light intersection at which the crash took place.
The victim’s vehicle was pushed onto the yard of a nearby church due to the force of the crash. The 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, and a female passenger was injured as well. The 19-year-old was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, evading police and vehicular manslaughter.
In situations such as this, the family of someone killed in a car accident may be entitled to receive compensation for the loss that they have suffered. Although financial restitution cannot be expected to replace the sudden loss of a loved one, it can help provide some stability and support during an, especially difficult time.
The surviving family members of the victim of a drunk driving accident can often prevail in a wrongful death lawsuit even if the drunk driver is acquitted on criminal charges. An attorney who has experience with these types of matters can outline the types and amounts of damages that are permitted to be sought.