In a recent two-vehicle collision, a 79-year-old passenger in a car was killed and three others in the same vehicle were injured. At least one other occupant of the car was taken to the hospital in critical condition. According to the Montana Highway Patrol, the incident occurred at an intersection when the car the four people were travelling in was hit in the passenger side by an SUV. The driver of the SUV was not injured in the accident.

The car accident is still under investigation by authorities, but preliminary investigations indicated that the driver of the car neglected to stop at a stop sign and collided with the SUV. Authorities interviewed a number of witnesses to determine what happened and initial investigations suggest that while alcohol or drugs did not appear to be a factor in the accident, it was too early to rule the possibility out. In accordance with any accident investigation involving a fatality, the driver of the SUV agreed to submit blood for tests.

In this case, not only was a life lost due to a negligent driver who failed to stop at a stop sign, but three others were injured. The loss of life due to the negligence of a driver is difficult to fathom. It is hard to imagine what the family of man who was killed is going though, and what the families of the other injured persons are experiencing.

During such difficult times, filing a legal claim may be the last thing on a person’s mind. However, where harm has resulted due to the negligence of another driver, the injured party or his or her family may be entitled to damages. Even though a lost life cannot be brought back, and damage already done cannot be undone, families may find some solace in holding the negligent party responsible.

Source: Independent Record, “One dead, three injured in a two-car crash on Lincoln Road,” Al Knauber, Aug. 2, 2013