In Newark, New Jersey, when a victim is killed due to the actions of a negligent driver, a civil lawsuit can be filed in addition to any criminal charges. Compensation received from a lawsuit may allow the family to recover damages for medical bills and expenses, funeral expenses and in some cases pain and suffering and emotional distress.
A motorist involved in a 2011 hit-and-run car accident in Bridgewater is now facing a wrongful death suit brought by the family members of the victim. Last year, the man pled guilty to leaving the scene of a deadly accident. He was sentenced to five years in state prison but was released on parole this year.
According to sources, the bicyclist was struck in the early morning of August 2011 and was subsequently lying on the lawn of a local resident. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, but police found a piece of red plastic that they believed belonged to the defendant’s Mercedes-Benz 190E. While no other information was available to authorities, a phone call two days later helped to link the defendant to the accident.
Police responded to the location and found that a plastic garbage bag was taped over the passenger side portion of the windshield. They also found damages along the passenger-side headlights and blood stains on the windshield.
The family recently filed wrongful death claims against the defendant. The lawsuit alleges that the driver was negligent and failed to exercise reasonable care while driving.
Losing a loved one is a traumatic and life-changing event, especially if it is caused by negligence of other people. Victims are often encouraged by the courts to file claims against the responsible people. The victim may wish to speak with a personal injury professional here in Newark for advice. The legal professional may be able to assist in filing claims for financial compensation that can ease the pain and loss suffered by the victim and the victim’s family.
Source: NJ.com,” Bridgewater man sued for killing bicyclist in hit-and-run crash,” Bill Wichert, Aug. 20, 2013