It hits in the pit of the stomach; white knuckles clench the steering wheel. One vehicle is attempting to pass another in the opposite direction. Will they get back into their lane in time? Many driver’s have found themselves in this terrifying situation that, sadly, can result in fatal motor vehicle accidents like the recent accident this past weekend on a Missouri highway.

On Friday, July 10, in Iron County, a 46-year-old man driving a truck was attempting to pass another vehicle, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol. He was driving east on Highway 32 in the eastbound lane as he attempted to pass a slower moving car. A car, driven by a 29-year-old Potosi man, was traveling east at the same time, and the car and the truck collided head on.

One of the passengers in the car was pronounced dead on the scene by the Iron County Coroner. The drivers of both vehicles, as well as the other passenger in the car, suffered serious injuries and were airlifted to a hospital. It was reported by the Missouri Highway Patrol that most of these men were not wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck.

Fatal motor vehicle accidents are tragically wrenching for the surviving family and friends of the deceased victim. In Missouri, when a driver is found to be negligent in such an accident, the surviving family of the victim has the right to pursue a lawsuit for compensation to aid with financial loss and emotional stress. The injured parties also have the right to a civil claim against the negligent driver.

Source: dailyjournalonline.com, “Two killed, others seriously injured in weekend crashes“, Traci Black, July 13, 2015