Typically, late night and early morning roads have less traffic than they do during the day. However, this does not mean that car accidents are less likely. A negligent driver can strike anytime, at any place. And when a distracted driver causes a car crash, the results can be deadly.
A recent early morning accident in Charlton has left at least one individual dead. Initial reports indicate that at 4:30 a.m., a driver entered the westbound lane of the Mass Pike but was driving east. The result was a head-on collision with another vehicle. It is unclear at this time whether the deceased was in the errant car or the car that was struck, but the investigation continues.
When an individual receives a serious injury from a car accident, he may face months, even years of physical and emotional recovery, if the injury is the type from which one can recover. If the victim is tragically killed in the accident, then the surviving family must try to cope with the loss of their loved one. In addition, those harmed by a car accident must come to terms with the financial reality that faces them post-accident. Medical bills can mount up, pain and suffering can make life almost unbearable, and the inability to work can force other bills to go unpaid. This is where an experienced accident attorney can help.
A victim of a car accident can file a lawsuit, seeking to place liability on a negligent driver. To succeed on such a claim, the victim or his surviving family must prove the driver was negligent and that negligence caused the victim’s injuries or death. This negligence can be shown by proving intoxication, speeding, driving the wrong way, texting and driving, or failing to yield. Once a personal injury or a wrongful death claim is won, compensation may be obtained.
The awards received from these lawsuits can be applied to the victim’s damages. Amongst the harms that may be compensated are medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and, in the event of death, funeral costs and loss of consortium. Then, the victim and his family can focus on getting life back to as close to normal as possible.
Source: ABC 40, “Fatal Accident on Mass Pike Caused by Wrong Way Driver,” Jul. 21, 2013
