Traveling as a passenger in another person’s car can be risky. If the driver fails to drive in a responsible manner, his or her life and the lives of passengers may be put on the line. Many Missouri families have had to cope with the unexpected deaths of loved ones who were passengers of incompetent or distracted drivers who caused fatal car accidents.

A 27-year-old man recently lost his life in a crash that appears to have been caused by the driver of the car in which he was a passenger. The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that the accident occurred on a recent Friday evening. Preliminary accident reports indicate that a 26-year-old driver of a pickup truck was traveling west on Interstate 70 when he attempted to pass a tractor-trailer. He allegedly hit the big rig and lost control of the pickup truck.

The pickup apparently flipped over after striking the median wall and proceeded to strike an SUV. While trying to avoid the SUV, an approaching driver in a sedan then smashed into the pickup truck. The driver and passenger of the pickup died at the scene of the accident. No other serious injuries were reportedly suffered by others who were involved in this multi-vehicle accident.

The surviving family members of the pickup truck passenger will now have to cope with unanticipated expenses related to the end-of-life arrangements. Also, the sudden loss of his income may cause hardships. Fortunately, recovery of damages caused by car accidents may be sought if evidence of negligence by the driver can be established. By successful presentation of a wrongful death claim in a Missouri civil court, a monetary award to cover documented financial losses may be obtained.

Source: stltoday.com, “Two men die, another injured in four-vehicle crash in St. Charles County“, Denise Hollinshed, Sept. 26. 2015