Every single day, innocent people are seriously injured or even killed as the result of a poor decision made by a distracted driver. Not paying attention for even a moment can cause a Colorado driver to violate a traffic laws and lead to a car accident. Injured victims and their families are then left to deal with the tragic aftermath. When a fatal accident occurs, the surviving family must not only struggle with its grief but also with the often significant financial consequences.
A highway in Saguache County was recently closed for several hours following a fatal collision. Local authorities stated that a woman was traveling on Highway 285 when she unexpectedly drove into the opposing lane. As she veered into the other lane, she smashed into a station wagon, splitting it in half.
The driver of the station wagon was taken to the hospital for injuries that were considered life-threatening. One of the passengers was air-lifted to a medical facility with unspecified injuries. Another passenger was taken to the hospital for moderate injuries and was later released. A third passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and died at the scene. The woman whose vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic suffered minor injuries from the crash.
According to the Colorado State Patrol, the car accident is under investigation, though it is not believed that speeding and alcohol were causal factors. As the injuries parties each focus on a full recovery, they may choose to file a personal injury claim against the woman deemed responsible for the accident. Upon successful documentation of negligence, they may be awarded a monetary judgment for the incurred medical expenses as well as any other sustained damages. Separately, the surviving family members of the deceased passenger may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the driver and any other person who had an ownership interest in the vehicle involved in the crash. Nothing can be done to change the outcome of this tragedy, but the grieving family may be able to seek justice by seeking to hold the party believed responsible accountable for her actions.
Source: kktv.com, “Woman Killed In Two-Car Collision On Highway 285”, , Sept. 20, 2014