The wife of the Oklahoma Thunder assistant coach was recently killed in a car accident in Oklahoma City. The 44-year-old wife of the assistant coach was killed when another car crossed the center line and struck her SUV head on. The assistant coach and his wife had five children. Three of their children were in the SUV at the time of the car accident and suffered injuries, though it was believed their injuries were non-life threatening.
The victim was extremely well regarded in the professional basketball community and the investigation into the accident is ongoing. The unexpected loss of a loved one is an understandably tragic time for many families. The number of unexpected challenges the family may face can be overwhelming. Families facing emotional challenges may soon be left facing additional financial and support-related challenges that only add strain to an already difficult time.
Because of the serious nature of a loved one being wrongfully killed by a negligent driver, legal protections are available for families to help them seek recovery of damages following the difficult loss of a loved one. Wrongful death actions are available on behalf of the surviving family members to recover damages such as medical and funeral expenses, the loss of support and services or the lost prospect of inheritance and pain and suffering damages, among other types of damages. Depending on the circumstances, wrongful death actions may also be brought against the estate of a deceased negligent driver. Personal injury options and damages are also available for harm suffered by surviving victims of a car accident.
The wrongful loss of a loved one can have a tremendous impact on the lives of surviving family members, which is why the legal process provides resources to help in any way it is able. It is important to be familiar with the legal options that may help with some of the overwhelming challenges surviving family members face following the loss of a loved one.
Source: The New York Daily News, “Ingrid Williams, wife of Monty Williams, ex-Knicks guard and coach with Pelicans and Thunder, killed in car crash,” Bernie Augustine, Feb. 12, 2016
