The invention of smartphones has changed the way people communicate and conduct business. Unfortunately, many drivers are unable to avoid the temptation of using their phones while driving, often with devastating consequences. Police in Wisconsin believe that a recent fatal car accident may have resulted from a driver who was using her cellphone at the time of the accident.
The incident resulted in the death of a 16-year-old female. Police claim that in an attempt to avoiding being hit by another driver, the young victim veered off the roadway. Her vehicle rolled several times, and she was ejected and died as a result of injuries suffered in the accident.
Police claim that the driver of the vehicle the young victim was attempting to avoid was using her cellphone at the time of the accident. Witnesses claim that the 21-year-old woman had both hands on her phone just prior to the accident. Reports indicate that after the accident happened, the young woman returned to the scene. Neither she or her 22-year-old passenger were injured.
The death of a child is a family’s worst nightmare. Unfortunately, this Wisconsin family is living this nightmare due to a completely preventable car accident. At this time, police claim that they are unsure whether the driver they claim was distracted at the time of the accident will face charges. However, surviving family members can seek justice by filing a wrongful death lawsuit in a Wisconsin civil court. While such an action will likely do little to ease their grief, a successfully presented case could result in an award of damages; that may allow them to focus on their recovery, rather than the financial repercussions of their loss.
Source: twincities.com, “Driver on cellphone caused crash that killed Wisconsin teen, sheriff says“, Oct. 24, 2016