It can be easy for Missouri drivers to become complacent behind the wheel, which could make them less attentive. If drivers are not paying adequate attention to the road and other vehicles, they might not be prepared to stop when needed and could run into the back of the car ahead of them. It is under these circumstances that some rear-end collisions can become head-on collisions as well.
The Missouri Highway Patrol was recently dispatched to the scene of a three-vehicle crash. Preliminary reports indicate that a westbound pickup truck was stopped on County Route FF near Highway 59 waiting to make a left turn when it was crashed into from behind by a second pickup truck. The impact threw the pickup into the opposing lane of traffic where it hit a third vehicle.
The third vehicle went off the roadway and slammed into a utility pole. The driver was killed because of the injuries he suffered. The driver of the second pickup and the passenger both suffered injuries ranging from moderate to serious. Two other accidents occurred that same day in the area, but this was the only one with a fatality.
The family of the deceased driver retains the right to file a wrongful death claim against the party or parties believed to be responsible for the death of their loved one. Illustrating to the court that the actions of a party or parties caused or contributed to his death could result in an award of damages similar to those seen in other near head-on or head-on collisions. Any monetary restitution could help the family with the financial losses incurred because of the accident.
Source: carthagepress.com, “Carthage man killed in crash Saturday”, John Hacker, April 13, 2016
