2 Dead in Car Accident

Charleston Wrongful Death Lawyer

Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident that happened on Saturday morning around 3:00 a.m. The one car crash happened in the 6100 block of Wrightsville Avenue near Rogersville Road. The preliminary investigation has revealed that the vehicle, a Mercedes Benz, ran off the right side of the roadway. The car struck a utility pole guide wire, overturned and came to rest on its roof top in the marsh area adjacent to Wrightsville Avenue. One occupant of the vehicle, Gregory S. Turbeville, 26, of Charleston, SC, was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Christopher A. Elsey, 38, also of Charleston, SC, was partially ejected from the car. He died at the crash site. Police report that neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. Speed may have been a factor in the crash. Police aren't sure who was driving the car at the time.

What is Wrongful Death?

If a person is killed because of the wrongful conduct of a person or persons, the decedent's heirs and other beneficiaries may file a wrongful death action against those responsible for the decedent's death.

Originally, wrongful death statutes were created to provide financial support for widows and orphans and to motivate people to exercise care to prevent injuries. A wrongful death lawsuit is separate and apart from criminal charges, and neither proceeding affects nor controls the other. This means that a defendant acquitted of murder may be sued in a civil action by the victim's family for wrongful death. An action for wrongful death may be brought for either an intentional or unintentional act that causes an injury that results in death. For example, the driver of a car who accidentally causes the death of another in an accident may be held liable for Negligence. South and North Carolina provide for recovery by a surviving spouse, next of kin, or children. Ordinarily, children may bring suit for the wrongful death of their parents, and parents may sue for the wrongful death of their children. In some states, only minor children are allowed to sue for the death of a parent. The Clore Law Group are personal injury lawyers experience in wrongful death claims across North and South Carolina. Call today if you lost a loved one due to another person's negligence.