Virginia State Police combed the area looking for a driver who fled the scene of a crash on foot. A man believed to be that driver was found at a hospital in the area. At last report, he was being questioned regarding his suspected involvement in the fatal accident.
According to a representative from the Virginia State Police, two teenage cousins and two other people occupied a passenger vehicle and were out driving. At about 9:30 p.m., another car slammed into their vehicle head-on. The cause of the accident remains under investigation, but authorities believe the 33-year-old man under suspicion might have been impaired.
The two cousins suffered fatal injuries to which they succumbed. The driver had just graduated from high school this year, and his cousin was supposed to start 11th grade this fall. No report was given regarding the conditions of the other two juvenile passengers in the cousins’ car who also suffered injuries.
Thus far, the suspected driver is not under arrest, and he is not yet charged with any crime in connection with this fatal accident. However, that could change at any time. Further, once the identity and guilt of the at-fault party is confirmed, the families of the two deceased teens may exercise their right to file wrongful death claims seeking damages normally incurred because of a premature and unexpected death. In addition, depending on the extent and nature of the other passengers’ injuries, personal injury claims could be filed, as well. In either case, if negligence is proven, the court may award damages allowed under state law.
Source: wdbj7.com, “State police questioning suspect in crash that killed two Pittsylvania County teens“, Justin Ward, Aug. 11, 2014