Serious accidents can happen to anyone, even the rich, famous and well-loved. Residents of Greater Cincinnati were reminded of this when philanthropist and northern Kentucky matriarch Mary Middleton was killed in an accident with a garbage truck last week.

Middleton, 83, was apparently taking a bag of garbage out to the front curb of her home when she was struck by the truck. It was a rainy morning, and police reports say she was hit in the street. The rain prevented a medical helicopter to respond and she died at the scene.

The garbage truck driver, who has worked for the solid waste company for 15 years and has an excellent safety record, was taken to a local hospital to be tested for drugs and alcohol, which is standard in a fatal accident involving a commercial truck, according to Cincinnati.com. The circumstances of the accident are still being investigated.

Because Middleton was known and loved by so many, both as a politician and a philanthropist, the accident has received a fair amount of attention. Many people may be wondering what the consequences will be for both the driver and the company as a whole. There's no word yet on whether any charges will be filed, or whether the company faces legal consequences.

In this case, the victim's family may have considerable financial resources to pursue a lawsuit, should they choose to do so. That doesn't mean a victim needs to be wealthy to seek compensation. One of the first steps after a serious injury or fatal accident is to find out what your options are with the help of experienced legal counsel. Knowing all your options and the next steps to take may take some of the trauma out of the ordeal, without your having to worry what else it will cost you.

Source: Cincinnati.com, "N.Ky. matriarch Mary Middleton killed by garbage truck," Brenna R. Kelly, Nov. 23, 2011