It’s not a good thing to be cynical, but sometimes it’s hard not to despair over the human capacity to do stupid things.
A case in point: recent scientific data shows that there is a trend—a very slight trend, mind you, but a real one—away from drunk driving on America’s roads. This positive development has been swamped by a contrary trend of more people driving while under the influence of other drugs—particularly marijuana. Moreover, drug-using drivers are associated with a higher rate of fatal automobile accidents.
In fact, a research team from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health reports that drivers who test positive for drugs have three times a greater risk of a fatal car crash.
This may sound dry and academic. What makes these statistics intensely personal is when it happens to be your friend or family member who was killed in a car accident caused by a drugged driver.
Who Is the Victim Here?
It’s important to remember that a fatal drugged driving accident creates multiple victims. The deceased person is one, of course, but the friends and family members who must continue on with their lives in the absence of their loved one are victims too. They are deprived of the constant loving presence of their lost relative, deprived of the benefit of his or her advice, and forever missing the social interactions that otherwise would have taken place.
A life lost too soon because of the irresponsible actions of a drug-using driver is called a wrongful death. It’s “wrongful” because it should not have occurred in the normal course of events, and because the driver responsible for this death acted wrongfully to cause it.
Family members who have been left behind after their loved one has been killed are often at a loss as to how to proceed. The gaping holes in their lives are still too new and raw for them to plan for the future in any rational manner. In addition to the grief of so momentous a loss, the family may also be fearful of the future now that a key breadwinner is gone. Our Harrisburg wrongful death attorneys often see families shocked and overwhelmed by the uncertainty they now face.
This is crucial time to take action. In the aftermath of a fatal traffic accident in which drugs were a factor, it’s essential that the surviving family members act quickly to secure their futures and to ensure that the negligent driver is required to answer for his actions. A legal action for wrongful death can help to secure justice and notify the community that mixing drugs with motor vehicles will not be tolerated. The legal claim will also put the family in the best possible position to weather future storms, by demanding fair compensation for lost income, lost companionship, funeral expenses, psychological trauma for the family, and any medical expenses for the last hours of the deceased person’s life.
Schmidt Kramer: the Law Firm Known for Discretion and Compassion
Wrongful death cases must be handled by attorneys who have reputations for delicacy and tact. For over 25 years, the Harrisburg car accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer have been helping bereaved central Pennsylvania families adjust to the sudden, tragic losses of parents, daughters, brothers, grandparents, sons, and sisters. We have learned that demanding accountability from the drug user who devastated your family can be a powerful tool toward healing and recovery after an untimely death.
There is no need to make a commitment today to hiring a specific law firm to handle your case, but you should know early on about what options are available. We offer a free consultation with an experienced lawyer at our firm so we can get to know you and you can get to know us. Call us toll-free at (717) 888-8888 to schedule your free conference and gets answers to the questions that are now preying on your thoughts.