Wrongful death cases raise many confusing questions, given their unexpected nature. Questions include those about insurance, fault and coverage as well as potential compensation. Depending on the moving parts of a case, any families involved may have a long road ahead to resolving these situations.
WKBN First News reports on an incident involving the death of a 24-year-old university student.
A midnight getaway attempt
Authorities in Youngstown, Ohio confirmed the identity of a killed driver as a YSU Penguins wide receiver. A late-night traffic stop turned into a chase as a 19-year-old driver fled law enforcement after they attempted to stop the driver for a traffic violation. The teen struck the football player and was not hurt. Emergency personnel used the jaws of life to extract the 24-year-old but pronounced him dead on the scene.
The investigation is ongoing. It is unclear what traffic violation the 19-year-old allegedly committed before the chase. It is also unclear whether law enforcement arrested the driver or has any charges for the 17-year-old passenger in the vehicle.
A stack of potential charges
The fleeing driver may have a lot to answer for. On top of whatever the traffic violation that caused the traffic stop, evading police may be a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstance. With the crash that followed, that may be a charge of vehicular manslaughter that sees the state revoking the driver’s license for six months to three years.
Other questions regarding the 19-year-old insurance may be important for any wrongful death claims regarding funeral expenses that the football player’s family needs to attend to now. Which insurance policy pays out and how much are answers anyone in this situation needs in order to move on with their lives.