Nine months ago, tragedy struck in Norridgewock, Maine, when a car crash on the Fourth of July killed two people. According to a recent news report, a 51-year-old Norridgewock man, was driving his dump truck southbound down Ward Hill Road when he collided with a Pontiac Torrent driven by an 85-year-old woman from Madison. The crash killed the woman in the Pontiac, as well as her passenger, her 80-year-old husband. The driver of the dump truck was taken to Redington Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan but had no life-threatening injuries.
Now, months later, the driver is being charged with Class A manslaughter for recklessly or negligently causing the deaths of the elderly couple. The District Attorney for Kennebec and Somerset counties said that the charge was brought against him after her office reviewed the police’s investigation and the results of an accident reconstruction. In Maine, Class A manslaughter convictions can lead to a maximum of 30 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. The defendant, who pled not guilty, is being represented by counsel. In a statement, his lawyer said that the tragic accident was just that, an accident, and that his client tried to stop when the car pulled out in front of him.
The outcome of the case is still unknown; while a court date will be set in the near future, it is currently being postponed due to court shutdowns from the coronavirus pandemic. However, the criminal charge, while it may provide comfort to those who were close to the two victims, does very little to actually help them through the grieving process.
It is important to remember that, regardless of whether or not there are criminal charges brought in accidents such as this one, the family or estate of the victim can bring a civil suit against the responsible party under Maine state law. In this case, the victim’s family or estate could sue the driver of the dump truck separately, seeking monetary damages for the deaths he caused. If successful, the plaintiffs may receive compensation for funeral and burial costs, lost wages, loss of consortium, pain and suffering, and medical expenses incurred as a result of the accident. While this cannot bring back their loved ones who were tragically taken for them, it may provide some support to the grieving family members.
Have You Lost a Loved One in a Maine Accident?
If you have recently lost a loved one in a Maine car accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates as soon as possible to discuss your case. Our law firm focuses on personal injury lawsuits across the state and can help you recover after a car and truck accident, an incident of medical malpractice or a slip and fall accident. With years of experience and an in-depth knowledge of Maine personal injury law, our attorneys will assist you with every step of this often difficult process and fight to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. To learn more, call risk-free today at 800-804-2004.