Teenage deaths are prevalent on the country’s roads during the summer months when schools are out. Missouri is no exception, and a 16-year-old boy lost his life in one of the many car accidents that involve teenage drivers. The accident reportedly occurred on a recent Friday evening.

Accident reports of the Missouri Highway Patrol state that a 19-year-old driver and four passengers were occupants of an SUV traveling on a road in Marshall. The driver apparently lost control of the vehicle after over-correcting. The SUV reportedly left the roadway and landed in a creek after rolling over. The driver, along with three passengers, ages 24, 18, and 16, managed to free themselves from the vehicle. Unfortunately, the other 16-year-old passenger — who was strapped into the back seat by a seat belt — failed to escape the sinking SUV.

Police apparently launched a search immediately after it was reported that the vehicle had landed in the creek. The search was postponed when it became too dark, and it resumed on Saturday morning. With the aid of sonar technology, the vehicle was located by Saturday evening, and police divers recovered the body of the teenager who still buckled up in the rear seat. The media report made no mention of any criminal charges.

While the death of a child is likely one of the most traumatizing experiences parents will ever face, such a tragedy also comes with many financial implications. Fatal car accidents are followed by end-of-life expenses and other financial losses. If a death was caused by the negligence of another party, there may well be a viable claim. The surviving family members of a deceased victim may pursue a claim for financial relief for documented losses related to the tragedy by filing a wrongful death claim in a Missouri civil court.

Source: kshb.com, “Missouri Highway Patrol report: Five were in SUV that crashed, overturned into Salt Fork Creek”, Andres Gutierrez, July 12, 2015