Many vehicle accidents in Missouri are caused by drivers who are distracted or follow too closely behind other vehicles. Drivers who are caught unaware when cars ahead slow down can cause devastating car crashes. A Kansas City road was recently closed for several hours after an accident that led to the death of a motorist.

According to a police report, a 72-year-old driver was southbound when he attempted to turn left onto another street. Reportedly, the vehicle behind him noticed too late that he was slowing down or stopping before making the turn. The second car allegedly swerved left to avoid a collision but smashed into the door on the first car’s driver’s side.

The impact of the collision propelled the turning car off the left side of the roadway and into a gas main. Emergency personnel rushed the driver of the first vehicle to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. His death was reported to have been caused by the injuries he suffered in the crash. No mention was made of injuries to the other driver, but he was arrested by police who are investigating the possibility of impairment.

Families of those who die in car crashes are entitled to pursue financial relief by filing wrongful death claims against other drivers deemed responsible for the accidents. When presenting the claim in a Missouri civil court, the plaintiffs will have to establish negligence that shows that the other driver contributed or caused the death of their loved one. The court can then adjudicate documented claims for financial losses and emotional damages sustained before entering a monetary judgment.

Source: fox4kc.com, “72-year-old man killed in crash near 115th and Holmes“, Stephanie Graflage, Aug. 16, 2016