WRONGFUL DEATH SUIT MAY FOLLOW FERRY PASSENGER’S TIP

Losing a loved one in a car accident is naturally a traumatic experience, but when a hit-and-run driver caused the fatality, the unanswered questions can be overwhelming. Surviving family members may only get answers once the driver deemed responsible is identified and brought to justice. Financial relief is also obtainable by filing a wrongful death claim in a British Columbia civil court.

A hit-and-run driver was recently arrested before the Royal Canadian Mounted Police could even release details to ask for the help of witnesses. An 18-year-old pedestrian was knocked down by a vehicle while he was walking next to Highway 19A in the early morning hours of a recent Tuesday. While investigators were still busy at the accident scene, a ferry passenger noticed a severely damaged car.

After having just read about the tragic hit-and-run accident on a social media post, the passenger became suspicious. The person reported the vehicle to the RCMP, unaware that this was the car that was involved in the fatal accident. Police responded, and after checking the car, the driver was arrested when the ferry docked. He will likely face several charges related to reckless driving and leaving the accident scene.

The fact that the hit-and-run driver who allegedly caused the death of the pedestrian was located and arrested may benefit the case of the deceased pedestrian’s family members if they decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit. However, negligence will have to be established, and this may be more easily achieved with the help of an experienced British Columbia personal injury lawyer. Having the support and guidance of a skilled legal representative can be invaluable.

Source: CBC News British Columbia, “Ferry passenger’s tip leads to arrest in fatal hit-and-run on Vancouver Island“, Deborah Wilson, Nov. 2, 2016