Following a fatal accident in August of last year, a 54-year-old woman is now facing three felony charges. Missouri drivers who take to the roads are responsible for ensuring they are not driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs as their conditions may cause devastating car accidents. The probable cause statement filed by the Callaway County prosecutor states that the woman was driving her car in an erratic manner when she was southbound on Route CC at approximately 7 p.m. on the day of the accident.

The court papers indicate that another motorist in a pickup truck was northbound at that time and had to swerve out of his lane to avoid a collision when the defendant’s car crossed the center line. In an attempt to rectify her driving error, the defendant apparently headed for the pickup truck again. This driver had to take evasive action once more, but a head-on collision could not be avoided. Both vehicles careened off opposite sides of the roadway.

Both drivers suffered severe injuries, and a passenger in the pickup truck died at the accident scene. A trooper who spoke to the defendant immediately after the accident detected a smell of alcohol and reported that he observed slurred speech. The woman was arrested, but for unknown reasons, no blood samples were obtained.

This Missouri driver is facing a second-degree murder charge and two second-degree assault charges. Injured victims and families who have lost loved ones in car accidents may pursue recovery of expenses and other financial losses by filing claims in civil court. Personal injury and wrongful death claims that are properly documented and successfully presented may result in a monetary judgment for medical and end-of-life expenses — where applicable. Compensation for additional losses that are properly documented and recognized by state law may also be awarded.

Source: columbiatribune.com, “Mokane woman charged in fatal accident in August“, Alan Burdziak, March 27, 2015