Too many young lives are lost on Missouri roads in crashes caused by inexperienced teenage drivers. Although these young drivers may be capable of driving safely under normal circumstances, they are often not equipped to handle emergencies. In one of many pedestrian accidents, a teenager was killed when another one lost control of the vehicle he was driving.

According to a preliminary accident report that was prepared by the Missouri Highway Patrol, the incident occurred shortly after dismissal at Harrisonville High School on a recent Tuesday. A 17-year-old boy reportedly lost control of the SUV he was driving. After going off the left side of the roadway, he swerved back onto the street. However, he overcorrected, and the vehicle shot across the road where it struck a 14-year-old pedestrian.

The pedestrian was rushed to a regional hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted. The SUV apparently only came to a halt after it had crashed into a residence. The man who lives in this house was not injured. He noted that although the young driver was uninjured, the teen driver will have to live with this for the remainder of his life.

Missouri families who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents will likely have to face substantial unanticipated expenses while also having to cope with their tragic losses. Financial relief can be pursued by filing wrongful death claims in a civil court. Plaintiffs will have to prove that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to the death of their loved one. Once that is established, the court can adjudicate documented claims for emotional and financial damages before awarding monetary compensation.

Source: kshb.com, “Teen driver kills 14-year-old boy in a Tuesday afternoon traffic crash in Harrisonville“, Steve Kaut, Dia Wall, Aug. 23, 2016