Two SUVs were involved in an accident that took the life of a Missouri woman. The head-on collision occurred on Missouri 7 near 30th Terrace. Police are still investigating the accident, looking for clues as to what may have caused the two cars to collide. Head-on collisions can often be complex cases that require intense investigation to determine a cause.

According to witnesses, the driver of a 2006 Ford Freestyle veered over into oncoming traffic and crashed into the Chevy Equinox driven by the victim. Both were taken to a local area hospital, where the woman who was driving the Equinox was pronounced dead. The driver of the Freestyle remains in serious condition.

Initial reports from investigators who were at the scene have not indicated any conclusive evidence of what may have caused this fatal accident. They have indicated that alcohol was not believed to have been a factor, but are still considering other potential contributing factors. Determining the exact cause of an accident is often a difficult task, even if there are witnesses to the actual collision.

Insurance companies often use this type of information to determine what benefits they are required to pay to the victims or their families. Often, there are policy exclusions that allow them to limit their liability in certain circumstances. Knowing how insurance companies utilize accident reports to determine benefits is important for those who may have been injured, or the family of someone killed in a head-on collision. In addition, should the cause be determined to be a mechanical defect in one of the cars involved, there may be additional avenues for receiving compensation to be explored. Missouri drivers who have been involved in head-on collisions can better decide how to proceed if they have all the facts.

Source: kansascity.com, “Lee’s Summit woman killed in head-on crash Tuesday identified,” Zach Murdock, June 12, 2013