According to a report from The Kansas City Star, a man from Clay County has been arrested and charged with a felony DWI offense following a deadly hit-and-run crash. A cyclist was killed in a collision in the early morning hours of January 12th in Northland. Here, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer explains what we know about the crash and explains your legal options if your loved one is killed in any type of motor vehicle collision.
Motorist Charged With DWI Resulting in Death Following Fatal Bicycle Crash
Brian Zug—a 41-year-old man from St. Joseph, MO—is facing a serious felony DWI charge. Mr. Zug stands accused of leaving the scene of a fatal DWI crash. The hit-and-run, which occurred in Kansas City Northland, took the life of a 31-year-old bicyclist named Rick now. The fatal accident occurred near the intersection of North Oak Trafficway and 81st Terrace. Eyewitnesses at the scene reportedly saw Mr. Zug’s Ford truck. It was later found with significant damage to the front bumper, with bicycle parts embedded within it.
What Grieving Families Need to Know About Their Rights
The loss of a loved one in a motor vehicle crash is devastating. Grieving families have important civil legal rights. Here are key points that grieving families should know about the wrongful death claims process in Kansas City:
- At-Fault Party Must Be Held Accountable (Civil Claim): A wrongful death lawsuit is a type of civil legal claim. The at-fault party—whether a motorist, a trucking company, or a vehicle manufacturer—can be held legally responsible for a fatal accident through this type of civil cause of action.
- Proper Party Needs to Initiate the Claim: Not just anyone can file a wrongful death claim. The cause of action must be initiated by the proper party. In Missouri, the wrongful death claim should generally be initiated by the surviving spouse, child(ren), or parent of the deceased. In Kansas, a wrongful death claim must be filed by an “heir at law.”
- Statute of Limitations Varies By State: In Missouri, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death lawsuit is three years from the date of the fatal accident. In Kansas, the statute of limitations is just two years from the date of the incident.
- Compensation May Be Sought for Damages: There is nothing that could ever truly make up for the loss of a loved one to a fatal motor vehicle accident. Still, grieving families need justice, accountability, and full and fair financial compensation. Financial recovery might include medical expenses incurred before the death, funeral and burial costs, loss of financial support, and non-economic damages such as loss of love, companionship, and consortium.
Contact Our Kansas City Wrongful Death Attorney Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City wrongful death lawyer is a compassionate, reliable, and justice-focused advocate for grieving families. For a free, completely confidential review and evaluation of your case, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We provide wrongful death representation throughout the entire region, including in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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