Police say an unlicensed driver is to blame for the death of three women last week. The driver had five passengers at about 2:45am when she slammed into a tree, injuring everyone in the car. The driver remains in critical condition and has not been arrested. Police say that they found alcohol in the car. Precise causes are not known at this time.

The driver was pulled over by the highway patrol and issued a ticket last month for driving without a license, but her car was not impounded. There has been controversy recently about this policy after several fatal accidents involving unlicensed drivers. The families of the victims of this accident may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit.

A wrongful death suit is one way that some families of victims of negligent driving seek justice and hold the driver responsible. Contributing factors to death in a car accident include impairment, not wearing a seatbelt, being distracted, and speeding.

California law requires surviving family members to file a claim within two years of the accident to recover for a wrongful death. Contacting a lawyer shortly after the accident can help increase chances of recover for families of victims. Experienced attorneys can gather evidence and guide the family through the insurance process. Insurance companies may try to offer small settlements in exchange for a release of a possible suit. An attorney can help people evaluate this option thoughtfully and make a decision in their best interest. Wrongful death suits aren't only about compensation for families, the choice to pursue a suit can also be about accountability and closure.

Source: Los Angeles Times, "Unlicensed driver at wheel in crash that killed 3, authorities say," Feb. 7, 2012.