News of a car crash reminds Colorado residents that their lives can change in an instant, and through no fault of their own. While we rely on automotive travel in our daily lives, it is easy to forget the dangers inherent on the roads. Even when a driver exerts every effort to ensure safety, the actions of another can have devastating consequences. A fatal accident in Durango has left two families in turmoil over the holiday season.
Early reports suggest that the incident took place on a recent Monday morning. A 59-year-old woman was driving a 1997 Ford Explorer southbound on Wildcat Canyon Road when she approached a curve in the road. She apparently drifted into the lane of oncoming traffic while negotiating the curve, leading to a head-on collision with another vehicle.
That car was a 2007 Mitsubishi, driven by an 82-year-old man. He was killed upon impact. The woman driving the Ford was also injured in the crash, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
As of the time of this report, the fatal accident remains under investigation. The name of the victim has not yet been released, and no criminal charges have been issued in the case. For the family of the man killed in this crash, they are likely awaiting answers from Colorado police as to the events leading up to his death. Should they decide to move forward with a wrongful death suit against the driver, they could recover damages associated with their loss, should a court of law find that the driver acted negligently in the incident.
Source: The Durango Herald, “1 killed, 1 injured in accident on Wildcat Canyon Road,” Dale Rodebaugh, Dec. 24, 2012