There are few accidents that can have as serious of consequences then a collision that involves two vehicles hitting each other head-on. Depending on the speed of such head-on collisions, the damage to the vehicle and the ferocity of the impact can leave little hope of the occupants surviving the accident. Recently, one such accident occurred in Missouri, where one occupant of a vehicle was killed and the driver of another vehicle now faces criminal charges for allegedly having drugs in his system at the time of the crash.

The accident transpired back in April, when the truck the man was driving crossed the center line and struck an SUV head-on. A passenger of the SUV, a 17-year-old girl, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the SUV was also injured in the crash.

Police have reported that toxicology tests came back showing that the 34-year-old driver of the truck had marijuana and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the crash. A passenger in the truck also claimed to have witnessed the man smoking marijuana about thirty minutes prior to the crash. The man was recently arrested and now faces assault and manslaughter charges.

Although Missouri authorities have brought criminal charges, like in many other head-on collisions, the victims may not have to wait until the criminal case has concluded to bring their own suit in a Missouri civil court. By using the evidence gathered by authorities in the criminal case they may be able to make a claim for civil damages. These damages may assist the victims and their families as they work to cope with this unfortunate tragedy.

Source: semissourian.com, Affidavit: Man had meth, pot in his system before crash that killed teen, Emily Priddy, Aug. 28, 2013