Can I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After a Road Rage Death in South Carolina?
Recent studies show that South Carolina has some of the highest rates of road rage in the country. A significant percentage of drivers in this state have been verbally harassed, physically attacked, or threatened by aggressive individuals. Sometimes, these incidents can end with fatalities, especially when guns are involved. Can a road rage death lead to a wrongful death lawsuit in South Carolina?
Strange Road Rage Incident Leads to Wrongful Death Lawsuit in South Carolina
Some road rage incidents may lead to wrongful death lawsuits in South Carolina. A recent example involves a strange incident involving a shooting between three men. Two men in one truck allegedly exercised their right to self-defense and shot a third man in another truck. Local authorities did not arrest either of the surviving men and decided not to press charges, while the family of the deceased man filed a wrongful death lawsuit against one of the shooters.
The moments that led up to the shooting raise numerous questions. Witnesses say that the man who eventually died cut off the other truck. Witnesses also say that this man was driving recklessly while waving a gun around. After being cut off by this reckless driver, the two men in the other truck decided to chase him. After nine miles, the two men caught up with the other individual. A gunfight broke out, and the reckless driver was struck by 15 bullets before passing away.
The aftermath of the shooting raises additional questions. One of the shooters seems to have a close relationship with local law enforcement, and there are allegations that officers “coached” the two men on how to act when they arrived at the scene. The two men’s text messages were also made public after the incident. In these texts, they spoke of how they enjoyed the gunfight and had “no remorse.”
There are obvious questions about the nature of the investigation, and whether this incident truly represents self-defense. While local authorities may have neglected to press criminal charges, a civil lawsuit may help the community explore this incident in more detail. This shows how important wrongful death cases can be in the pursuit of justice, closure, and accountability.
Do All Road Rage Shootings Lead to Wrongful Death Lawsuits?
Not all road rage shootings lead to wrongful death lawsuits. These lawsuits only make sense in certain situations. First, you need to consider whether the defendant has the necessary insurance or assets to provide compensation. In the aforementioned case, the defendant is a wealthy businessman. In these kinds of situations, legal action could be worth it.
Can a Wrongful Death Lawyer in South Carolina Help After a Road Rage Death?
A wrongful death lawyer in South Carolina may be able to help if you have lost a loved one to a road rage incident. Legal action could help you pay for funeral expenses, unpaid medical bills, lost future income, and various non-economic damages. A lawsuit might also provide your family with closure and a sense of justice. Learn more about your options by contacting Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.
Sources:
wbtw.com/news/grand-strand/horry-county/man-at-center-of-2023-road-rage-case-says-spivey-family-attorney-using-case-for-personal-gain/
thestate.com/opinion/article312481365.html
finn.com/en-DE/campaign/us-road-rage-report
