Records indicate that six lives have been lost this month in the 13-county area of Central Missouri. The number of fatalities resulting from car accidents in this area stands at 39 so far this year. The latest death was reportedly that of a 20-year-old woman after an accident on a recent Monday morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that the crash occurred on Highway 22. Apparently, the woman was westbound on the highway when she allegedly proceeded to pass another car. After initiating the pass, she apparently noticed an oncoming pickup truck and swerved hard right to get back into the westbound lane.

However, her maneuver caused her vehicle to be at a 90-degree angle when the pickup truck smashed into the side of the car. Another eastbound driver crashed into the pickup truck. That driver was reportedly the only one wearing a safety belt, and he suffered only minor injuries. The woman in the first car died at the scene of the crash. The 28-year-old driver of the pickup truck suffered serious injuries and was transported by helicopter to University Hospital.

This is one of the many car accidents in Missouri that might have never happened if one driver had kept a proper lookout before passing another vehicle. The man who was seriously injured may now be facing substantial medical bills, and although the nature of his injuries is unknown, it may be life-altering. Claims for financial relief may be pursued by filing a personal injury lawsuit in a civil court against the estate of the deceased driver and any separate owner of the car she was operating. After negligence has been established, the court will adjudicate documented claims for monetary losses before entering a monetary judgment.

Source: columbiatribune.com, “Centralia woman dies after crash near Mexico, Mo.“, July 19, 2016