The Barboursville Police Department has confirmed that a man involved in a hit-and-run crash late last month along Interstate 64 has passed away.
The victim, identified as 37-year-old Duane Oechsner of Texarkana, Texas, died several days after the hit-and-run incident.
The initial collision occurred on July 30 at around 5:45 am near the U.S. Highway 60 exit along the eastbound lanes of the interstate between a tractor-trailer and another vehicle. Oechsner, who was driving the tractor-trailer, stopped to check on the other person involved when he was struck by a pickup truck driven by Peyton Lykins, 25, of Greenup, Kentucky.
BPD reports that Lykins was driving a white Chevy Silverado with damage to the front and passenger side and a missing passenger side mirror. Once the investigation is complete, it will be handed over to the Cabell County prosecutor to determine if charges will be filed.
FATAL ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
In most cases involving hit-and-runs, the at-fault drivers feel they can avoid the consequences of their actions if they leave the scene. However, a suspect will face charges when apprehended.
Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime, but sadly statistics indicate that more than one hit-and-run crash occurs every minute on U.S. roads.
Candice Bond, an experienced hit-and-run accident attorney, said in such cases is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted by a seasoned attorney promptly to protect the rights of a victim.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond, a Managing Partner of Bond Legal.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Bond.
These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation they deserve.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Duane Oechsner may be entitled to a wrongful death claim for funeral expenses, the loss of love and companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in death,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
