Each year, a number of Missouri residents are killed when they are thrown out of a vehicle during an accident. Rollover accidents most likely account for an appreciable percentage of these deaths. Recently, a 21-year-old passenger in a single-car crash suffered that tragic outcome.
Five people occupied the vehicle in which he was a passenger. As the car headed south on Highway 179, the 19-year-old driver lost control of it. The car crossed over into the northbound side of the highway and off the road. It then flipped several times before coming to a rest.
The deceased passenger was ejected during the crash and died at the scene. Two other passengers, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, were also thrown from the wreckage, but they managed to survive. Their injuries were considered to be moderate.
Another 17-year-old passenger’s injuries were more severe. She was flown from the accident site, and at last report, she remained in serious condition at an area hospital. The current medical condition of the driver was not reported.
The cause of the accident is unclear at this time, and it may be a while before the question of criminal charges is answered. In the meantime, the family of the deceased passenger and the injured parties may pursue civil actions against the driver. Negligence on the driver’s part must be proved before a Missouri civil court will entertain any requests for damages, such as those typically awarded in similar rollover accidents. If it is established that the driver’s negligent actions caused or contributed to the death and injuries, monetary judgments could be entered, which may help with the financial burdens sustained under these circumstances.
Source: connectmidmissouri.com, “One dead, three injured in Cole County crash“, Dan Ebner, July 1, 2015
