A 45-year-old man died on Thursday in an auto accident when an SUV collided with a tree off of Mamalahoa Highway in South Kona, Hawaii. The man was a passenger in the vehicle; patrol officers identified the driver, who sustained injuries but lived, as a 26-year-old woman from Honaunau. She was driving her 1993 Ford Explorer south on the highway when she lost control of the vehicle and crashed into the tree. Police are certain that alcohol was a factor in the crash.
The passenger and driver were both taken to Kona Community Hospital in critical condition, but the man did not survive his injuries and died later that night. The woman, who did not possess a driver’s license and lacked no-fault insurance, has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Due to her injuries, she has been released to Kona Community Hospital pending further investigation.
Authorities have re-classified the case as a negligent homicide and ordered an autopsy on the passenger.
When another person’s recklessness leads to a preventable accident and wrongful death, the consequences can leave surviving family members devastated. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, consulting with an experienced wrongful death attorney can help you receive the compensation you need to recover in the middle of a crisis.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a car accident due to another’s negligence, please contact the experienced Hawaii car accident and wrongful death lawyers at The Law Offices of Philip R. Brown today to schedule a consultation.
