The loss of a loved one is often difficult to accept, perhaps especially when negligence is involved. When another party chooses to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, the chances for a serious accident to occur may increase significantly. A 78-year-old woman in New Mexico has reportedly passed away after a recent accident that took place under similar circumstances.
According to reports, the woman was walking on the shoulder of a road on a recent Thursday when she was suddenly struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, authorities claim to have discovered that the driver had veered off the road before striking the woman and came to a rest after hitting a nearby parked car. The driver of the vehicle was reportedly uninjured, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have advised that intoxication was a contributing factor to the accident and that the driver admitted to using narcotics before taking the wheel. She has been arrested and is reportedly facing vehicular homicide charges in relation to the collision. With little in the way of protection, pedestrian-related accidents are often deadly and have left countless families to mourn the untimely loss of a loved one over the years.
When a family loses someone close in a serious accident, they may often be left in search of answers or justice, especially if another party is deemed at fault in the incident. Surviving family members who face a similar tragedy might choose to speak with an experienced attorney for advice on the best course of action to take moving forward. An attorney can evaluate the incident in question and assist a client in New Mexico in pursuing a wrongful death claim against the party deemed culpable for the loss.
Source: ruidosonews.com, “Pedestrian killed in Lincoln traffic accident“, July 12, 2017
