No parent ever expects to outlive his or her children. Parents hope that their children live a happy and long life. Unfortunately, one family in Connecticut is now coping with the unexpected death of two children as a result of a fatal car accident. One man now faces several criminal charges as a result.

In the early morning hours of early November, a family, including the mother, father and three children ranging in ages from 5 to 12 were reportedly stopped at a red light. As they waited for the light to change, police claim the 29-year-old driver of a sports utility vehicle slammed into the back of their vehicle. The SUV driver allegedly fled from the scene, but was later located in a nearby house.

Two of the children, a 5-year-old and 8-year-old, passed away as a result of the injuries they sustained in the accident. The third child suffered serious injuries. Both parents were injured as well. The driver of the SUV has currently been charged with driving with no license, evading responsibility as well as reckless driving. Police expect that more charges, specifically related to driving under the influence, will be added as the investigation continues.

Beyond the emotional devastation of the loss of their two young children and injuries to a third one, there will also be several financial ramifications of the fatal car accident that with which the family will have to cope. However, the family does have the option of filing a case in a Connecticut civil court. If the family can prove that the driver’s negligence caused the accident, they could receive reimbursement for funeral expenses, hospital bills and their own lost wages among other damages recognized by our laws. After such a tragic loss, the last thing a family should have to worry about is how they will pay the bills that typically result from devastating events of this nature.

Source: Hartford Courant, Two Children Killed In Meriden Crash, No author, Nov. 3, 2013