Young drivers may be excited to have the ability to travel on their own to places they would like to go. Unfortunately, those drivers may have their excitement quelled if they are involved in a car accident. Teen drivers likely do not have the experience behind the wheel as many other drivers on the roadway, but a simple mistake from a driver of any age could lead to a fatality.
An accident in Illinois recently led to a fatality and injuries for the individuals involved. It was reported that a 16-year-old girl was driving a pickup truck heading north when the vehicle moved into the westbound lanes at an intersection. Another vehicle that was traveling west collided with the pickup truck, and as a result, the truck overturned.
The 16-year-old driver was trapped inside the truck, and unfortunately, she suffered fatal injuries in the accident. There was also a 12-year-old girl in the truck, and she was also seriously injured. The driver of the other vehicle suffered injuries, but she is expected to recover. At this time, there have been no charges or citations filed, but the incident is still being investigated.
Once the authorities working on the car accident investigation have determined who may have been at fault, there may be cause for a party or parties to pursue legal action. If the driver of the pickup truck is considered responsible, the driver of the other vehicle may be able to file a personal injury claim against her estate and/or the owner of the vehicle to seek compensation. If the other driver is deemed at fault, the family of the deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim for damages permitted under Illinois law.
Source: fox6now.com, “16-year-old girl killed in two-vehicle crash in Kenosha County; two others hurt“, Katie Delong and A.J. Bayatpour, Dec. 31, 2014