Losing close relatives or spouses in fatal car accidents can be devastating. In cases in which the car accidents could have been prevented, situations are even more tragic. A Missouri family is likely trying to pick up the pieces after the recent death of a loved one in a crash that occurred in Rolla.

The 58-year-old woman who lost her life in this crash was traveling as a passenger in a pickup truck that was driven by a 48-year-old driver. Rolla police reported that the pickup truck was northbound on Highway 63 when — for unknown reasons — the driver crossed into the southbound lanes. When the 24-year-old operator of a southbound tractor-trailer came upon the pickup traveling the wrong way, he was likely caught unaware and failed to avoid a collision.

The driver and the passenger of the pickup truck suffered critical injuries, and both were transported to a hospital. The passenger succumbed to her injuries, while the driver was later airlifted to another medical facility. It was reported that her condition had improved. The semi-truck operator was not injured. The accident investigation is ongoing.

The out-of-pocket expenses after fatal car accidents can be staggering. In addition to medical costs for the time leading up to a loved one’s death, there will be the expenses related to end-of-life arrangements. The surviving family members of the deceased person may seek financial relief to enable them to move forward and cover the costs of their loss. If negligence on the part of another person can be established, wrongful death action may be taken. A Missouri court may enter a monetary judgment to cover documented financial losses along with non-economic damages, such as loss of companionship.

Source: therolladailynews.com, “Passenger killed in semi-pickup collision on North Highway 63“, Paul Hackbarth, Sept. 30, 2015