Fatal pedestrian accidents — teen death blamed on street racing

Many Missouri residents may share the concerns of others about motorists taking part in street racing. Not only do these drivers endanger their own lives, but also the lives of other road users. Serious pedestrian accidents are often the result. The parents of a 15-year-old sophomore have to cope with the untimely death of their son after he was the victim of a pedestrian accident that allegedly resulted from a street racing incident.

The Missouri Highway Patrol reported that this tragic accident occurred on a recent Friday morning while the student was waiting for the school bus. Apparently, three drivers are suspected of racing. One driver is said to have lost control of his vehicle and smashed into the boy before striking a mailbox and rolling over. The teenage pedestrian was killed on impact.

The driver and his passenger, both 23 years old, were admitted to hospitals in the area. It was alleged that the content of alcohol in the driver’s blood was .18 percent when he struck the boy. A BAC of .08 percent or more may prompt a DUI arrest. He is now facing several charges, including involuntary manslaughter and driving while impaired. His cash-only bond was set at $100,000, and it was reported that the drivers of two other vehicles suspected of taking part in the street race may also be charged.

Pedestrian accidents such as this one will leave the family to cope with the tragic death of their son while also having to face the high costs of a funeral and burial. Although no amount of money can replace their child, they may pursue recovery of the final costs incurred and other financial damages. If a life was lost as the result of the negligence of another party, a wrongful death claim filed in a Missouri civil court may be appropriate. The passenger who was injured in this accident may also file a personal injury claim against the driver for medical expenses and other losses that resulted from the accident. If the driver was not the owner of the vehicle, the owner may also be named as a defendant.

Source: emissourian.com, “One Man Charged in Crash That Killed Teen“, Submit Photo, Sept. 12, 2014