West Virginia drivers are educated about the dangers of drinking and driving from an early age. Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is both risky and illegal. Still, drunk drivers continue to cause injury and death, and a recent case is especially tragic. 

Police say a 20-year-old man was driving a pickup truck occupied by a total of six people when he lost control of it. One of the passengers, seated in the front, grabbed onto the roof as the vehicle careened off the road. His body hit a tree, resulting in his death. 

As first responders, police began to investigate. They quickly determined that despite the fact that the driver was not of legal drinking age and should not have consumed any alcohol, his blood alcohol limit was well over the legal limit for adult drivers. His irresponsible decision to drive drunk caused loss of life, and though he is facing criminal charges, the deceased victim’s family likely has grounds for civil action as well.

When drunk drivers claim lives in West Virginia, the executors of a victim’s estate may want to take legal action against the driver to recoup losses for outstanding medical bills, final expenses and other documented monetary damages that typically follow such a tragic death. An experienced attorney can help a victim’s family seek justice against the party believed responsible. No amount of money can make up for the loss of a loved one, but a successfully presented wrongful death claim may achieve much-needed financial relief and perhaps provide some sense of closure for surviving family members.