As readers of this blog are likely well aware, every motorist has a legal responsibility to drive safely. A failure to do this may not only lead to a loss of driving privileges, but it may also cause serious or even fatal injuries. Unfortunately, that was the case with a recent car accident that took place in Franklin Township.

Around 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 6, a red Chevrolet trailblazer was traveling on Wilson Road north of West Broad Street. The vehicle reportedly crossed the center line and moved directly into the path of another vehicle, inside of which were three women on their way home from work. The head-on collision killed two of the women inside, the 29-year-old driver and a 26-year-old passenger. The third woman was taken to Grant Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

After the accident, the driver of the offending vehicle fled the scene. Franklin Township police reportedly found empty beer cans in the cab. Apparently the owner of the Chevrolet trailblazer had loaned it to someone, though it was unclear who had borrowed the vehicle and caused the fatal crash.

The law is unable to fully provide amends for the families of the deceased, but it may be able to provide monetary damages as some measure of compensation for their loss. Here, a wrongful death suit may well be appropriate. A wrongful death is a legal term for a death caused by the negligent or willful conduct of another, which would certainly appear to be the case here.

Likewise, the critically injured passenger may be able to file a personal injury claim against the offending driver. Medical bills, lost wages, and any pain and suffering that have resulted from the accident may factor into the amount of compensation the victims eventually receive.

Source: nbc4i.com, “Names Of Victims In Fatal Hit-And-Run Crash Released,” Brianne Betts, Nov. 7, 2011