Ask any parent what his or her worst nightmare would be, and probably an overwhelming majority would say that it would be if something happened to his or her child. The death of a child is, after all, something that no parent should have to face.
Unfortunately, one Connecticut mother is faced with this sad scenario all because one person decided drunk driving would be a good idea. Despite strapping her 16-month-old baby into her car seat, the toddler was killed in a car accident that took place recently. Her mother and another passenger sustained nonlife-threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment and later released.
The accident occurred when the three were inside a car waiting at a red light and another vehicle ran into the back of them. The 31-year-old driver of the other car was apparently driving under the influence and was taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries that were nonlife-threatening. He faces several motor vehicle charges including charges of second-degree assault with a motor vehicle and DUI. Authorities say they will likely be adding a manslaughter with a motor vehicle charge since the initial charges were determined before the toddler had died.
This wouldn’t be the driver’s first run-in with the law; he has several motor vehicle violations on his record along with larceny convictions.
The mother of the baby killed in this tragic car accident would be well advised to seek the help of a lawyer. She may be entitled to compensation for her daughter’s medical and funeral expenses as well as punitive damages. An attorney can discuss her case with her and go over her options.
Source: New Haven Register, “16-month-old baby killed in Waterbury crash,” May 6, 2013
