Travelers on Missouri roads in Ralls County might have been delayed on a recent Wednesday night when Highway 19 was closed for several hours. This closure followed a crash that caused serious injuries that ultimately led to the deaths of three people. Crash reconstructionists are continuing the investigation.

A preliminary report by the Missouri State Highway Patrol indicates that a 33-year-old Belle resident was driving a pickup truck along Highway 19 when he crossed into the opposing lanes of traffic. In doing so, he reportedly struck an SUV that was operated by a 43-year-old man from another state. Two passengers in the SUV, ages 68 and 44, were killed in the collision.

Officers reported that seatbelts properly restrained the occupants of both vehicles. However, in this crash, they failed to save the lives of three people. Along with the two SUV passengers, the pickup truck driver who purportedly caused the accident was also killed. All victims were declared dead at the accident scene. The SUV driver was the sole survivor, and he was airlifted to a medical facility with serious injuries.

The surviving family members of the two SUV passengers who lost their lives in this car accident are entitled to pursue financial relief through the Missouri judicial system. Similarly, the driver who suffered serious injuries may seek recovery of damages. Wrongful death and personal injury claims can be filed against the estate of the deceased pickup truck driver. Once negligence is established before the court, monetary judgments may be considered to cover documented losses such as end-of-life expenses, medical costs and other pecuniary damages along with emotional damages sustained.

Source: hannibal.net, “Three men dead after head-on crash near Center, Mo.”, March 17, 2016