One person was killed in an accident involving two vehicles in Phoenix on Aug. 28. Police suspect that the driver who caused the accident was using drugs prior to the fatal crash. The collision caused the closure of the highway for several hours.
According to authorities, the morning accident took place at the intersection of U.S. 60 and 99th Avenue when a 25-year-old Glendale woman drove through a red light and collided with another vehicle. The driver of the other vehicle, a 51-year-old woman, was killed as a result of the car accident.
The Glendale woman was trapped in her car and had to be extricated by emergency responders. However, while being rescued, the woman attempted to pull something from under her seat. Investigators then discovered a glass pipe used for smoking methamphetamines under the seat. The woman was arrested and booked into Maricopa County Jail, charged with one count of manslaughter and one count of drug paraphernalia possession. The results of the woman’s blood test were pending. Police continue investigating the incident.
In this type of case, the family of the deceased victim might choose to file a wrongful death claim against the other driver, since evidence from the criminal investigation, including the charges brought against a driver, can be used to show liability and negligence in a civil case. The family might receive awards for non-economic losses, including loss of love, companionship, protection, guidance, affection and care. The family’s grief, sorrow, anguish, shock and pain might also be used to calculate awards. Additionally, the surviving family members might also be compensated for economic losses, including loss of financial support and services.
Source: azfamily.com, “Woman accused of using drugs, causing fatal crash”, August 30, 2014