Three young people lost their lives in a multi-car crash in North Carolina near Middlesex that could have been avoided.
Police officers say that a 22-year-old woman and a 23-year-old man were traveling together in one car. Another car, a Ford Mustang, came speeding along on highway 231 at just the wrong moment. The 22-year-old woman turned into the direct path of the Ford Mustang. The passenger in the Ford, a 25-year-old man, was also killed and the driver, a 20-year old male, was injured.
Witnesses said that the two cars collided and the small Ford Mustang was propelled by the impact off the road and spun around. The second vehicle spun off the road in the other direction, ejecting its driver. She wasn’t wearing her seatbelt.
Because he was speeding and driving recklessly, the Mustang’s driver was ultimately charged with causing a death by motor vehicle.
He may have been lucky that he was only charged with a misdemeanor, not a felony. Breaking the law by speeding is enough, in North Carolina, to potentially net either charge. Had the driver been guilty of a more serious offense, like drunk driving, the charge would have likely been a felony — which carries much more serious consequences.
Even so, it’s important to note that these deaths didn’t have to happen. Excessive rate of speed is an unfortunate factor in far too many car accidents. In addition, not making use of safety features like a seat belt is taking unnecessary risks with your life.
If you’re involved in a car accident with a reckless driver or you lose a family member to someone’s careless behavior on the road, consider your legal options carefully. You may be able to seek compensation for your suffering or for the wrongful death of a loved one after an accident.
Source: CBS North Carolina, “Woman, 2 men killed in two vehicle crash in Nash County, troopers say,” March 03, 2018
