Missouri roads have their fair share of vehicle accidents, and many of the crashes involve teenage drivers. Unfortunately, the level of experience a 16-year-old driver has does not equip him or her with the ability always to anticipate potential dangers. Drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers, and in many cases, these young drivers are accompanied by teenage passengers who may suffer injuries or worse in car accidents. 

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported a crash in which two girls were injured. According to an accident report, a vehicle was speeding along a Farmington roadway when it came across a railroad crossing. The driver reportedly failed to reduce speed, and this caused the car to go airborne after it hit the railway tracks.

Both occupants were wearing a seatbelt and were not ejected, but they were injured. The 16-year-old driver suffered serious injuries, and she was airlifted to a hospital. The 18-year-old passenger’s injuries were less severe, and she was driven to the hospital. The accident reportedly occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on a recent Tuesday.

When passengers are injured in car accidents that were caused by the negligent actions of others, they may pursue claims for financial relief. Depending on the severity of the injuries, long-term medical treatment may be required, and the resulting medical expenses may be crippling. They retain the right to file personal injury claims in a Missouri civil court. Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses and other documented financial losses. The driver along with any separate owner of the vehicle involved may be named as defendants.

Source: dailyjournalonline.com, “Teens injured in crash“, Sept. 1, 2015