The family of a man who was killed when he was hit by a car driven by a man who had been drinking has won a compensation settlement worth £710,000.
The victim, who was in his 30s and the father of two young children, was crossing the road when the accident happened. The drunk driver had jumped a red light and accelerated to 60 mph in a 40 mph zone. The man is thought to have died instantly.
The driver of the vehicle involved, who was two and a half times over the legal alcohol limit, was charged with causing death by dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to more than five years in prison and was also disqualified from driving for six years.
The man’s widow, who had no other means of financial support, brought a compensation claim on behalf of herself and the couple’s children. After liability was admitted, a settlement was reached with the driver’s insurance company that includes an interim payment of £45,000 and £20,000 to be held in trust for each child for the future. The total compensation package is worth £710,000.
