SUV driver may face wrongful death suit after hitting pedestrian

Most people understand that driving is a privilege, not a right, and as such, licensed drivers need to do all they can to ensure they, their passengers and people they encounter along their route remain safe. This attention to safety includes not only obeying all traffic laws during the act of driving, but also avoiding mind-altering substances before driving.  Likely, all Colorado residents are fully aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, but some still ignore the facts and indulge in these substances before getting behind the wheel. Too often, such an error in judgment leads to tragedy. The driver of a vehicle that killed a pedestrian is suspected of driving under the influence and, in addition to criminal charges, may also find himself facing a wrongful death lawsuit.

The horrific incident happened on a recent Monday evening in Colorado Springs. According to investigators, a pedestrian was attempting to cross at a crosswalk on a road just west of I-25. A man driving an SUV hit the pedestrian, who died from injuries suffered in the crash.

Police have said the 66-year-old driver of the SUV appeared to be impaired at the time of the crash. They suspect him of driving under the influence. He has since been arrested and suspected of vehicular homicide. The investigation is ongoing, and police have asked anyone with information to contact them.

Unfortunately, this driver seems to have made a poor choice that will likely have a significant impact on his future. Worse, a person has been killed, and his or her family is left grieving the loss of their loved one. It appears likely that the police investigation will uncover evidence indicating the driver’s recklessness and/or negligence led to the fatality. The victim’s family would then have the right to pursue the matter through the Colorado civil justice system, separate from criminal charges the driver faces. A personal injury attorney can help them understand their options, including the possibility of a wrongful death suit.