Driving an automobile comes with a lot of responsibilities, especially concerning the safety and wellbeing of the passengers in your car. It is important to realize that you are responsible for other people’s lives and to drive in such a manner as to keep them safe and protected. You certainly do not want to have to live with the knowledge that your reckless driving led to your passenger’s being injured, or worse, killed. There is also the potential that you could be charged with a wrongful death.
One incident that occurred recently in Connecticut highlights the importance of this issue. A car containing five coworkers slammed into a tree on the side of the highway. Evidently the impact was severe enough to cause serious injuries in two of the passengers and death in the other three. One of the passengers, a 65-year-old died at the scene; two others, ages 52 and 62 died after they were taken to the hospital.
Although it is not known what caused this accident, if it is found that the driver was using excessive speeds, driving under the influence, or otherwise grossly negligent, he could be held legally accountable for the death of his passengers. The families of the deceased passengers may want to talk to a lawyer who can advise them on their options and if they have a case. Of course nothing can make up for the pain and loss these families no doubt feel, but seeking compensation can help with the medical and funeral expenses incurred as a result of this accident.
