A two-vehicle crash occurred near Birmingham on Thursday, Aug. 19. One man died as a result of the accident, and a woman was seriously injured. The accident occurred around 7 a.m. on Interstate 65.
A 1997 Toyota Camry collided with a 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The driver of the Camry was not injured in the wrongful death. However, the driver of the Jeep suffered from serious injuries, and he was taken to the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. The 68-year-old man who was a passenger in the Jeep was pronounced dead after the accident. He was not wearing his seat belt when the accident occurred.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the speeds that the vehicles were traveling were unknown at last report. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the accident so far. However, the family of the man who died in the accident could choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against whoever is deemed responsible for the accident.
The surviving family members of the deceased man may have suffered trauma and other psychological damage as a result of their loved one’s unexpected death that might entitle them to compensation for their pain and suffering. Additionally, their loved one might have been a major source of financial support for their family, which means that his death left them in a financial strain. If that is the case, they might be entitled to compensation for his lost earning power as well. They might also seek reimbursement for any outstanding hospital bills he has as well as his burial expenses.
A personal injury lawyer might be able to evaluate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death to help the family determine whether or not they have appropriate grounds to file a wrongful death claim. If they do, a lawyer might be able to help them negotiate a settlement quickly.
Source: Ledger-Enquirer, “Man killed, woman seriously injured in car crash on I-65”, Tiffany Stevens, August 23, 2013
