Media sources report that a young driver involved in a fatal accident on Jun. 24 is now facing criminal charges from Halifax Regional Police. The car accident occurred on Main Street by Caledonia Road at 4:30 p.m. and resulted in the death of a Dartmouth resident.
According to police, a 17-year-old driver was heading west and crossed two eastbound lanes of traffic. His car then hit the vehicle of the 71-year-old victim head-on. Neither vehicle had passengers inside and no other cars were involved. Police believe that speed was a contributing factor in the accident. The 71-year-old Dartmouth resident was sent to a hospital, and, later, he died from his injuries. The 17-year-old was also taken to the hospital and released after treatment.
On Oct. 8, the 17-year-old driver was charged with criminal negligence causing death and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing death by the Halifax Regional Police. He was released from custody and was scheduled to appear in youth court on Oct. 17.
Halifax personal injury lawyers may be able to assist families who have been affected by fatal accidents by helping them file a wrongful death claim in civil court. A wrongful death claim may be able to compensate a family for the loss of a loved one. Compensation can include damages for burial expenses, funeral expenses, loss of companionship and loss of support. A personal injury lawyer may represent clients in settlement negotiations and, in this case, may be able to use information learned during a criminal trial as a part of a civil claim.
Source: CBC, “Teen charged after June Dartmouth fatal crash“, October 08, 2013