Families stick together through good times and bad. Though some individuals become distant with their relations, many Wisconsin residents enjoy the time that they get to spend with their loved ones. When trying times occur, many families rally together to support each other until their situation improves. However, a car accident can quickly stripped that away, leaving families reeling from their newfound reality.
Recently, for example, a Wisconsin family suffered an incredible loss when four of its members were involved in a devastating motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred in Bristol and involved the victims’ vehicle and a second automobile. The four family members were traveling home after a church event in New Munster when they were struck by the second vehicle. The second vehicle was allegedly moving erratically and in excess of the speed limit. After the collision occurred the victims’ vehicle rolled and landed on its roof in a swampy location.
One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene and two others perished at a local hospital. The fourth victim suffered serious injuries but survived the ordeal. The driver whose recklessness caused this fatal crash was caught and has been charged with multiple crimes, including operating a vehicle while under the influence.
The surviving victim and their relatives will have a long road to travel as they work through the painful emotions of losing not one but three loved ones in a single motor vehicle accident. As they grieve they may choose to pursue personal injury and wrongful death claims in hopes of imposing liability and recovering compensation for their damages, including pain and suffering. The criminal charges levied against the errant driver in this case will not impede rights to recover for losses caused by the accident so long as the elements of a personal injury or wrongful death claim are proven by a preponderance of the evidence.
