Woman Dies After Being Struck By Drunk Driver in Bridgeville

Delaware State Police have identified the 40-year-old woman recently killed in a crash east of Bridgeville Monday as Kimberly Linnae Billie Brown.

According to police reports, Brown died after her Nissan Altime collided with a Jeep Cherokee driven by Dustin R. Westwood traveled into her lane.

Westwood, 32, was driving southbound on Chaplains Chapel Road around 6:15 pm. Law enforcement determined that he was intoxicated. He has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, driving while under the influence of a drug, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and other traffic offenses.

In addition to the criminal charges Westwood faces, Brown’s family would also be eligible to file a civil suit against him.

What Should You Do If a Loved One is Killed by a Drunk Driver?

If you’ve lost a loved one because of a drunk driver, you might be able to recover financial compensation. It’s understandable that this will not reverse the situation or ease your emotional trauma, but it can help you deal with the challenges you’ll face financially due to the loss. Your grief is your first concern, but you also need to think of your family and what’s to come now that your lives have changed forever.

In a drunk driving incident, there will likely be criminal charges filed by the state that could result in jail time for the accused. Surviving family members also have a right to pursue legal action through a civil lawsuit. This type of lawsuit can go forward no matter what happens in the criminal case. 

Who is eligible to file a wrongful death civil suit against a drunk driver after the loss of a loved one varies from state to state, so it’s important to speak to an attorney to determine if you are eligible.

Though you might want to handle things on your own or you are uncomfortable reaching out to an attorney after your loss, it’s important to do so. Handling too many things while dealing with the stress and grief of your loss can lead to mistakes. An attorney can take on part of your burden and help you through this difficult time.

Heavens Law represents victims and their families who were injured in incidences of assault and battery. If you or a loved one was injured due to the actions of another person, you deserve experienced legal representation. For more information or to discuss your case, contact Heavens Law at 888.897.5377 to schedule a free consultation.