The incident occurred one night in July 2014. According to police reports, a 20-year-old victim was walking on a Massachusetts roadway with a friend. She was fatally hit by a car driven by a 64-year-old woman. Her friend did not suffer major injuries.
The driver has since been charged with motor vehicle homicide by negligence, a misdemeanor. If she is convicted, she could lose her license for 15 years and spend over two years in jail. She has recently pleaded not guilty and has been released with the promise that she will not drive.
Unfortunately, the devastation created by the loss of a loved one is something that will always remain with a grieving family member. In addition to their grief, family members must also deal with the financial ramifications created by the pedestrian accident, including funeral costs. In a case such as this, the victim's family members could choose to pursue a claim for damages in a civil court. While it will likely do little to lessen their grief, it could help them focus on their emotional recovery rather than how they will manage the financial burdens created by the loss.
Source: masslive.com, "Cape Cod woman denies motor vehicle homicide charge in death of UMass student", Fred Contrada, April 17, 2015
