One person was killed and another was arrested after a single-vehicle collision in Chesapeake, Virginia on Wednesday, April 19th.
What legal action can I take if my family member was killed as a passenger in a car accident?
According to a local source, the crash took place at about 8:30 p.m. in the 200th block of Mill Creek Parkway when the driver lost control of the vehicle, left the roadway, and crashed into a utility pole.
The vehicle’s passenger, 32-year-old Devin Francis, died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, 22-year-old Justin Turner, has since been arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Police say additional charges are pending.
No additional details have been made known at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.
If you lost a family member due to someone else’s negligence, dereliction, or recklessness, the Virginia wrongful death attorneys at Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp can help you secure compensation for your losses. No one should be forced into financial hardship because of another person’s negligence. Call us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
What Is a Wrongful Death in Virginia?
Virginia law defines wrongful death as the default, neglect, or wrongful action of a company, individual, company, vessel or ship operator. It is a legal action that can be initiated anytime someone displays irresponsible judgment in a scenario where a rational person would have acted more sensibly. Not every death is wrongful. Negligence must be present in order for a death to be considered wrongful.
Some examples of wrongful death according to Virginia law include:
- A hotel owner’s improper maintenance results in a guest being electrocuted
- A commercial truck operator’s reckless driving results in an accident that causes the death of the other driver
- A motorcycle rider is struck by a speeding driver, causing them to be thrown from their bike and sustain fatal injuries
- A construction worker falls to their death from a height due to a lack of proper safety equipment
- A bus crashes into someone on a bicycle and causes them a fatal head injury
- A pedestrian is fatally injured while walking through an unmarked construction site
These and many other fatalities are common in Virginia when safety is not made a priority
Proving A Virginia Wrongful Death Claim
All wrongful death cases have four components that have to be proven. They are:
- The defendant caused or contributed to the death of someone to whom they owed a duty of care
- The defendant’s violation of duty makes them liable for the death
- The death resulted in injury to a spouse, child, estate, or someone who benefitted from the victim’s care or company
- The injuries imposed damages that would not have existed otherwise
An experienced Virginia wrongful death attorney can help you collect relevant evidence that proves that your family member was not responsible for their own death.
Why Do I Need a Virginia Wrongful Death Attorney?
While you are under no obligation to work with a lawyer, your chances of achieving a successful resolution to your wrongful death claim are much better with a skilled attorney by your side. An experienced personal injury attorney will have the skills and resources needed to completely investigate your loved one’s death, ensure that you know your rights, and help you seek the maximum amount of financial compensation.
Meet With Virginia Wrongful Death Attorney
If you lost a relative due to wrongful death, let a qualified Virginia personal injury attorney from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp review your potential claim. Call our Virginia Beach law offices at (833) 997-1774 to schedule your free case evaluation today.