Losing a loved one in an unexpected way such as a car accident can be a trying time for the family. While everyone is aware of the dangers of driving, no one is ever prepared to receive the bad news that someone they care about has perished in a motor vehicle collision. One recent car accident claimed the life of a 74-year-old Wisconsin woman.
The woman’s car was hit on the driver’s side as she was pulling out of a parking lot. It was noted that the parking lot did have a stop sign, but no other details were given as to why the vehicles might have collided. The driver of the other car, a 27-year-old woman, was transported to the hospital with injuries. She had a passenger in her car that was also taken to a local hospital. According to reports, airbags deployed in both cars, which raises the question if speed could have been a factor.
While an investigation continues, the family that lost their loved one could potentially look into a civil suit. Should speed or other negligence be found to have been a factor, the family could be entitled to compensation to cover expenses such as final medical bills and burial costs. Although monetary compensation can’t fill the void of losing a loved one, it can help with bills that could otherwise cause the family great financial strain.
Any Wisconsin resident that has been the victim of a car accident or lost a loved one in a car accident could benefit from familiarizing themselves with state personal injury and wrongful death laws. By having an understanding of the applicable laws and taking a proactive approach, a victim or their surviving family may be able to better protect their financial future. Medical bills, lost wages, and potential long-term care needs can be financially draining on a family without proper compensation.
Source: CBS Minnesota, “Wisconsin Woman Killed In St. Croix Co. Car Crash,” May 13, 2013
