TRAGIC DUI ACCIDENT MAY GIVE RISE TO WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM

July 25, 2014
dhdlaw

On July 19, a Bedminster Township, Pennsylvania, motorcyclist died just a block from his home after he was struck by an alleged drunk driver. The accident occurred in the small Bucks County town around 10:20 p.m. near the 700 block of Keller’s Church Road. The victim was operating his motorcycle at that time and had one passenger with him when a vehicle driven by a 64-year-old man struck the motorcycle.

First responders took the 47-year-old victim to St. Luke’s Hospital in Fountain Hill, Pennsylvania, where he later died from his injuries. The victim’s passenger suffered injuries described as moderate in nature.

An autopsy would later reveal that the motorcyclist died as the result of blunt force injuries. Authorities have since ruled the man’s death an accident.

Police arrested the driver of the striking vehicle for homicide by vehicle, DUI, and other related charges for his role in the fatal collision. He was subsequently booked into the Bucks County Correctional Facility. The defendant is reported to reside in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Authorities say the defendant’s next scheduled hearing is set for Aug. 4 at 2:00 p.m. The defendant is currently free on $100,000 bond.

Although no amount of money can ever restore the loss of a loved one, a wrongful death lawsuit against the defendant’ s estate might help offset costs associated with an unplanned death.

Additionally, victims of preventable fatal accidents are usually providing a source of income for their families. Surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for that lost revenue and the loss of companionship with the victim. Evidence and eyewitness testimony regarding accidents are extremely perishable. That is why it is necessary for litigants to begin the process of filing their claims immediately.

Source: WFMZ Channel 69 News, “Man charged in deadly DUI crash near victim’s home in Bedminster” Jul. 20, 2014