Losing a family member in a car accident is heartbreaking; finding out that the person who caused the accident was acting recklessly makes the pain greater. A family in the Cabell County local area is dealing with the loss of a family member, while the woman who caused the fatal car accident just entered a guilty plea for her role in the incident.
A 45-year-old woman from Charleston pleaded guilty to DUI causing death on Nov. 14. The accident killed a 48-year-old Big Chimney man. The woman was also injured in the accident, evidenced by the cane she used during her appearance in court.
On March 28, the woman drove her 2013 Hyundai Elantra the wrong way on Interstate 77. She struck a 1993 pickup head-on, driven by the 48-year-old man. The accident occurred between the Westmoreland Road exit and the I-77 and I-64 split.
During her plea, the woman admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine. She faces a prison sentence between two and 10 years, according to West Virginia sentencing guidelines. She will be sentenced on Jan. 8, 2014.
For the family of the man who was killed, the woman’s admission of guilt could provide some closure, but nothing will bring their family member back. If the family chooses, they can pursue damages from the woman to cover expenses such as medical and funeral costs, as well as seek compensation for pain and suffering and loss of companionship. A legal professional with experience in handling these types of legal situations can help this family, or any family or person who finds themselves in a similar situation, determine if seeking compensation is something that is worth pursuing.
Source:
WV Gazette, “Woman pleads guilty to fatal DUI wreck” Kate White, Nov. 14, 2013
