Over the years, car manufacturers have worked to make vehicles safer while other organizations have attempted to educate drivers about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol or while texting. While these measures may be able to improve safety on the roadways, a car accident cannot be completely avoided. For example, police in Wisconsin are investigating a fatal accident that killed one person and sent three to the hospital.
Police say that they received reports of the accident just before 1 p.m. one day in November. According to witness reports, a car driven by an 18-year-old male crossed the centerline. As a result, his car directly struck another vehicle driven by a 61-year-old woman.
Unfortunately, the woman died at the scene of the accident. The man was transported to the hospital for treatment along with two 26-year-old occupants in his vehicle. Updates regarding the extent of their injuries were not provided.
The surviving family members of the deceased woman are likely facing a difficult reality as they deal with life without their loved one. While they come to terms with their grief, they must also face the financial ramifications of their loss, including funeral expenses and the potential loss of income. The two injured passengers must also pay their medical bills; in many cases in Wisconsin, car accident victims must also miss work while they recover, resulting in lost wages. Because many people are unprepared for these costs, they turn to the civil court to seek relief. If negligence can be proved, the family of the deceased woman as well as the two injured passengers could receive awards of damages that would allow them to focus on their recovery.
Source: wqoq.com, “Authorities identify passengers in fatal St. Croix County crash”, Emily Van Ort, Nov. 8, 2015
