There are many ways that a driver can pose a greater risk for a fatal car accident. Some of these ways include drunk driving, distracted driving, reckless behavior or driving while extremely fatigued. For example, a woman from the Pueblo area of Colorado allegedly caused a fatal car accident because she fell asleep behind the wheel. This tragic accident may serve as an example of the serious consequences of a fatigued driver.
Colorado law enforcement officials state that is it believed that the woman drifted out of her lane and then over-corrected herself, ending up on the wrong side of the center line. As a result, she collided with an oncoming vehicle. Unfortunately, the collision resulted in the other car rolling, ultimately ejecting the a passenger out of the moving vehicle. Tragically, that driver passed away at the scene of the accident. Other passengers were taken to the hospital, but the nature of their injuries is not known.
A fatigued driver is as dangerous, if not more so, behind the wheel as any other type of negligent driver. A person may not always be able to stay awake and others could be needlessly injured or killed, as seen from this accident. Colorado police are still investigating the accident, but the family of the deceased could begin to pursue a civil claim in order to seek compensation.
This fatal car accident was exactly that: an accident. However, the driver who is believed to have fallen asleep could still be held financially liable for damages that have occurred. The family of the deceased could be eligible for a settlement that would cover the cost of funeral and other end-of-life expenses.
Source: koaa.com, “Fatal accident – Pueblo woman falls asleep at the wheel”, Kenzie Meek-Beck, June 21, 2014