Riding in a car as a passenger is often just as much of a risk as driving yourself. The family of a young man is grieving after he died in a car accident just outside of St. Louis, Missouri. The 22-year-old man was a passenger in the car when it crashed.
Jefferson County police said the accident happened just after midnight on Friday, Sept. 1. The driver and his passenger were headed northbound on Little Brennan Road. Authorities said the car was moving at a high speed as it neared an intersection. A car in the three-way intersection saw the quickly approaching car and stopped to avoid a crash. That’s when the speeding car changed lanes to avoid the stopped vehicle and drove off the east side of Little Brennan Road. The car went into a ditch and overturned, investigators said.
While the 22-year-old driver of the car was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, his passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Police are continuing to investigate the incident in order to make a decision as to whether to press charges against the driver of the car. No other injuries were reported.
As police investigate to determine legal ramifications, the family of a 22-year-old is dealing with the loss of a family member and funeral arrangements. Personal injury law specifically provides for monetary damages for victims of death at the hands of a negligent driver. While overwhelmed with grief, the family may also want answers and want to see any responsible party held accountable. A lawyer devoted to helping families press claims against irresponsible parties may offer some comfort and support.
Source: KSDK-TV, “Jefferson County investigates overnight fatal rollover crash,” Dave Keiser, Sept. 2, 2011