Whenever people in Missouri are out on the roads, they are exposed to multiple safety risks. The negligence of others causes many serious car accidents. One of the most common causes of serious injuries and fatalities on the roads is drivers failing to yield. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported one such accident that recently occurred in New Madrid County.

An accident report indicates that a Portageville woman and a male passenger, who shares the same last name as the driver, were traveling along Highway 162 shortly after midday on a recent Saturday. At the same time, a 49-year-old Lilbourn resident who was northbound failed to yield and smashed into the passenger side of the other vehicle. The impact of the collision caused the death of the 59-year-old male passenger in that car.

The 53-year-old woman who drove the first car reportedly suffered serious injuries, and she was airlifted to a hospital. The driver who allegedly failed to yield was also flown to the hospital for treatment of moderate injuries. No mention was made of any pending charges.

Car accidents can be devastating, and the seriously injured woman will likely be facing high medical costs and possible life-changing injuries while she may have the added trauma of the death of the passenger that may even be her husband. If this is the case, she is entitled to pursue financial relief for both her medical expenses and the end-of-life costs of her deceased husband. With established proof of negligence, a personal injury and a wrongful death claim may be filed in a Missouri civil court. Along with the mentioned expenses, other documented financial losses and emotional damages may also be claimed.

Source: world.einnews.com, “Man killed in New Madrid County crash”, Dec. 13, 2015