Recent Collision Took the Life of a First Responder

Car crashes are an unfortunate part of life here in Connecticut and all over the nation. When they involve the loss of life, families of the victims may struggle to comprehend exactly what happened. When certain circumstances surrounding the crash might have been prevented, it can make grief even worse for the family. Nowhere is this more evident than in car accidents that involve a drunk driver.

A recent collision took the life of a first responder. It is not known whether the paramedic was on duty at the time of the accident, but authorities say he died in a car crash involving a woman who they say was intoxicated. According to police, her blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit and that she was speeding when the incident occurred.

The woman was arrested for second-degree manslaughter, DWI and several other charges. Police have not said how they determined that she was intoxicated at the time of the crash. At this time, the family of the paramedic has not announced any plans to file a civil claim against her. Her court date is pending.

These types of car accidents sometimes spur families of victims to file a wrongful death suit against the party believed to be responsible. A properly presented claim may result in financial relief that could be useful in covering unpaid medical bills, funeral expenses or other costs that arose from the crash. No matter the outcome of the woman’s criminal trial here in Connecticut, the family has the right to pursue a claim in civil court based upon evidence of negligence that is found to have been a causal factor in the fatal crash.

Source: wfsb.com, “New Britain woman charged in fatal motor vehicle crash”, Kaitlyn Naples, May 22, 2014