An Oct. 30 traffic accident involving a semi-truck and five passenger vehicles inflicted immense damage, killing three individuals and injuring eight others. According to law enforcement officials, the multi-vehicle collision happened in a construction zone on the northbound lanes of U.S 52 near the Westinghouse Road exit.
The semi-truck driver apparently failed to slow down for decelerating traffic in the construction zone and rear-ended a minivan before striking four additional cars. One of the individuals killed in the accident was a 10-year-old boy. Another minor, a 13-year-old boy who had been riding in the minivan, suffered major injuries and was transported to a hospital in critical condition.
In addition to the 10-year-old boy, two other people died in the wreck. The semi-truck driver did not report suffering any injuries following the accident. According to authorities, the investigation into the event is ongoing. It was not immediately clear whether police filed any charges or issued any citations in association with the accident.
When people are killed in a sudden and unforeseen manner, such as occurs in many fatal traffic accidents, their families are often left with significant grief and emotional devastation. The grief may be compounded by extensive financial losses tied to their loved one’s end-of-life expenses, including funeral bills and estate administration costs. When it can be proven that a negligent driver contributed to the death, the victim’s family may seek to hold that driver accountable in civil court. Furthermore, by filing a wrongful death claim, the victim’s family may seek recover their economic and noneconomic losses. An attorney with experience in wrongful death cases may help claimants prevail.
Source: News & Record, “Rural Hall crash kills 3, injures 8“, John Hinton, October 31, 2014
