Fatal motor vehicle accidents: 2 teens dead, 1 seriously injured

A roadway in Lee’s Summit remained closed on a recent Tuesday while reconstruction investigators tried to determine the circumstances of a crash on the previous afternoon that claimed the lives of two Missouri teens and sent the driver to a hospital. Investigators were working among the crash debris that remained on the site. Skid marks were still visible on the roadway. As with most fatal motor vehicle accidents, police officers are awaiting pending medical reports and other documentation before charges may be filed — if any.

A preliminary crash report indicates that the incident took place at approximately 4 p.m. on a Monday when an 18-year-old northbound driver tried to pass another vehicle. During the maneuver, the driver apparently noticed a southbound car approaching and attempted to swerve back into the northbound lane. Unfortunately, he lost control of his car, and it was broadsided by the southbound vehicle.

One of the two 18-year-old passengers in the teen’s vehicle died at the accident scene while the other boy was rushed to the hospital. Sadly he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital. The driver suffered serious injuries, and a report from the hospital indicated that his condition remained serious the next day. The southbound driver was reportedly treated at the hospital for minor injuries.

Officials reported that it may take months to finalize the investigation. In the meantime, the two families whose loved ones died in the wreck have to face the financial consequences of the accident. When fatal motor vehicle accidents, are caused by the negligence of another party to the crash, the deceased victim’s surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims in a Missouri civil court. If the court determines that liability has been properly established, it will consider all documented claims for financial losses sustained.

Source: kansascity.com, “Two Lee’s Summit teenagers dead, another injured after traffic accident“, Brian Burnes, Feb. 2, 2016