One of the Missouri Highway Patrol’s chief functions is determining the cause of accidents that occur on the Interstate System or the state’s primary roads. Sometimes, this task is straightforward and takes little time to produce a concrete result. Other accidents may require accident investigators to make many careful measurements and to carefully evaluate the physical condition of the drivers involved in the crash. A recent head-on collision near Hillsboro in Jefferson County appears at first look to be simple, but a more detailed look has revealed a number of relevant details that may affect the final conclusion.
An SUV carrying a couple from Bloomsdale was heading north on Highway B just south of St. Louis when it was struck by a southbound pickup sedan. The SUV was thrown into the air, and it struck the side of another pickup truck. The couple in the SUV were both pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. The driver of the car that hit the SUV suffered only minor injuries. Police records after the accident show that the driver of the sedan was cited for a DWI causing death. No one answer the telephone at her residence.
The accident can be said to have two causes: a wrong-way driver who was drunk. More questions require answers. Where did the woman charged with the DWI obtain alcohol in the middle of the afternoon? Does she have any previous violations on her driving record? How far did she travel in the north bound lane prior to the collision?
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one under similar circumstances may wish to consider making a claim for damages against the allegedly intoxicated driver. The assistance of an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney may be extremely helpful. A capable lawyer can provide an evaluation of the evidence, suggest legal arguments to support a claim of liability and provide an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income and loss of companionship.
