Wrongful death lawsuit filed against former astronaut

On behalf of Aiken and Aiken P.C. Personal Injury Attorneys posted in Wrongful Death, on Friday, May 12, 2017

Massachusetts residents may be aware of the recent fatal drunk driving accident that involved a former NASA astronaut. The 59-year-old former pilot and shuttle commander was charged with reckless murder after he killed two children in a car accident in Alabama on June 6. The victims’ custodial parent has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the man in federal court. In addition to the two deaths, two people were injured in the DUI crash. An injured passenger who was in the deceased girls’ vehicle has filed a separate personal injury lawsuit in a Tuscaloosa County court. Both of the plaintiffs in the civil claims are accusing the man of negligence and are seeking jury trials. After the former astronaut was booked for his criminal charge, he was allowed to go free on a $150,000 bond. The fatal car accident took place on a rural stretch of road as the Ford Fiesta carrying the two girls was traveling 65 mph. While traveling at a high rate of speed in a rented Chrysler 200, the man struck the Ford from behind. Both of the girls were ejected from the Ford. According to an officer’s report, the man appeared very intoxicated at the scene. Later on, investigators found a package of sleeping pills and an empty wine bottle in the hotel that the man had been staying in earlier. When a driver is charged with DUI or reckless murder after a car accident, injured victims of the accident may also file personal injury complaints against the driver. Although a criminal conviction may help to strengthen a claim, an injured victim could file a civil claim against the at-fault driver even if no criminal charges are filed. Source: Insurance Journal, “Ex-Astronaut Sued for Wrongful Death of Two Girls in Alabama Crash,” July 6, 2016