Passenger succumbs to car accident injuries 4 days after crash

Three people from a neighboring state were involved in a crash in Onondaga Cave State Park on a recent Saturday evening. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol, the wreck occurred on Highway H in Crawford County. All three occupants suffered car accident injuries of varying severity.

An accident report indicates that the driver was a 28-year-old man who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Reportedly, the driver lost control of his vehicle and struck a road sign after going off the roadway. He then smashed into a tree, and the car came to a halt in a ditch.

Both the driver and a 27-year-old male passenger suffered only minor injuries, but the other passenger — a 21-year-old woman — suffered critical injuries. She was rushed to a hospital in Creve Coeur by helicopter. Sadly, this victim succumbed to her injuries four days later. This led to the arrest of the driver. He is now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter along with allegations of DUI.

The surviving family members of the young woman who lost her life are entitled to hold the driver accountable for the damages they suffered. Recovery can be pursued by filing a wrongful death claim in a Missouri civil court. They will have to prove that the driver was responsible for the fatal car accident injuries — or that he contributed to the accident that caused the injuries. Once the court has established negligence, documented claims will be adjudicated before a monetary award is entered.

Source: altondailynews.com, “Crash Claims East Alton Woman“, Mark Ellebracht, Aug. 25, 2016