In the early morning hours of Nov. 3, a tragic accident tore a Connecticut family apart. The family was hungry and went out grocery shopping. They were close to their home when an apparently drunk driver slammed into the back of the family’s car at a red traffic light. As a result of the impact, two young children were killed. Their parents and another sibling in the car suffered serious injuries.
The deceased victims were a 5-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. Both died at the scene. The driver believed to have caused the crash fled the scene after the accident. Connecticut police were able to locate the man at his home, which was near where the accident took place.
This driver has so far been charged with fleeing the scene, reckless endangerment and driving without a valid driver’s license. Authorities believe that excessive speed and possibly alcohol were contributing factors in this case. The pending toxicology screening may indicate if the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident. Depending on the outcome of the official investigation, and if the alcohol claim is substantiated through lab testing, more serious charges might be filed against the driver. He remains in jail in lieu of posting bond in the sum of $1 million.
As the investigation and criminal charges proceed, this family will undoubtedly have an emotional trail ahead of them as they bury two children, console two surviving children and recover from their own injuries. Unfortunately, there is no way to make this family whole again. However, the parents may seek financial restitution through a personal injury claim for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. Further, they are entitled to file wrongful death claims against the alleged drunk driver in connection with the loss of their two youngest children. Any separate owner of the vehicle the accused driver was operating may be added as a defendant in the respective civil claims.
Source: wfsb.com, Driver charged in crash that killed 2 children appears in court, Michael Agogliati, Rachel Rooney, Joseph Wenzel IV, Kim Lucey, Nov. 3, 2013
