Fatal Wisconsin car accident could lead to wrongful death claim

Most people who have never experienced such a loss cannot fathom the pain of losing a child. Unfortunately, one family is struggling to cope after their son was killed in a Wisconsin car accident. It is unclear at this time if criminal charges have been filed against the driver suspected of causing the fatal accident.

The accident happened in mid-June. The 9-year-old victim was traveling in a car driven by a 45-year-old woman. Reports indicate that the car slowed in order to make a turn and was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer. The force of the collision forced the car into oncoming traffic, where it was hit by a van.

While the driver of the tractor-trailer was uninjured, both of the other drivers involved were hospitalized with minor injuries. The boy was transported by helicopter to the hospital. Unfortunately he died from the injuries he suffered in the accident a few days later.

While almost everyone is somehow aware of the emotional implications stemming from a loss such as this, many people are unfamiliar with the financial implications. The boy’s family will have to deal with funeral and medical bills while also struggling through the grieving process. Many Wisconsin families who have been victims of a car accident caused by another’s negligence have sought financial relief in a civil court. Some of those who were able to prove their claims of negligence received monetary damages as a result. While not necessary, a guilty plea or conviction in a criminal court regarding charges related to the incident could help establish financial liability in a related claim.

Source: Star Tribune, “Sheriff’s Office: 9-year-old Illinois boy dies after three-vehicle accident in Wisconsin”, , Aug. 20, 2014

Source: Star Tribune, “Sheriff’s Office: 9-year-old Illinois boy dies after three-vehicle accident in Wisconsin”, , Aug. 20, 2014

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