Anthony and Jean Tonking were killed by a drunk driver in the 1900 block of Princess Anne Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia (VA) in January 2010. According to the Virginian-Pilot, Julie Olszewski, the Tonkings’ daughter, filed two wrongful death suits against the driver. These suits were settled on September 23, 2011, for $200,000.
The Tonkings were visiting family in Virginia Beach when their vehicle was hit by another vehicle traveling at 77 mph. This other driver’s blood-alcohol concentration was nearly twice the legal limit for driving. He was found guilty of DUI and two counts of aggravated involuntary manslaughter.
Through no fault of their own, the Tonking’s lives were taken from them in the blink of an eye. The lives of their family and friends were forever altered. It is hard to imagine what they have gone through and are continuing to deal with. Our sympathies go out to the Tonking and Olszewski families.
As the at-fault driver was under the influence of alcohol, the victim’s daughter was right to consult with a wrongful death attorney. It is important to send a message to the community that drunk and reckless driving is unacceptable. Courts may allow plaintiffs to pursue punitive damages in order to help send this message. My colleagues and I have used our years of proven experience to create a free consumer guide to help families looking for information and answers after a fatal car accident Click over to Wrongful Death Report: What You and Your Family Need to Know.
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