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Woman facing manslaughter charges after fatal car accident

On Behalf of | May 9, 2014 | Car Accidents |

An Oregon woman has been officially charged with manslaughter after a fatal car accident claimed the lives of two people. She was charged upon her release from the hospital, but the fatal car accident took place last month. At the time of the incident, law enforcement officers suspected that she was driving while under the influence of intoxicants. Inhibited driving caused by any intoxicating substance is illegal.

Officially, Oregon authorities charged the woman with reckless driving, driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) and manslaughter. The accident occurred when the woman was driving near the Gold Hill area. She came around a corner at a reckless speed and subsequently lost control of her car. Consequently, her car moved into the other lane and struck another vehicle.

A 40-year-old man, who was the woman’s passenger, died at the scene. The 80-year-old driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital for emergency medical treatment. He later died at the hospital. The woman allegedly responsible for the accident was also injured, and she has spent an extensive amount of time recovering from her injuries.

Even though the woman has not been convicted of any of these charges at the current time, she could still face civil repercussions from the fatal car accident. The families of the deceased victims may have the option to file claims to seek wrongful death compensation if evidence from the accident validates their claims. A close examination of the entire situation could reveal the optimal choices for the families. Any compensation granted would be to cover the costs of financial and emotional suffering.

Source: Blue Mountain Eagle, “Manslaughter charged in double-fatal car crash”, bluemountaineagle.com, May 8, 2014

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