A Missouri family will likely always associate this time of the year with the sad death of their 13-year-old daughter. The teenager died when she was struck by two vehicles in Poplar Bluff last week. As sometimes occurs in pedestrian accidents, the drivers left the scene of the accident without stopping to check on the victim.

The Poplar Bluff Police Department’s accident report indicates that the girl was struck by a vehicle as she was walking on a local roadway. That driver drove away, and a pickup truck also struck her. The victim was pronounced dead at the accident scene. Witnesses of the event reportedly directed officers to a local business at which the car that was suspected of first hitting the girl was located. Officers reported that they could match pieces found at the accident scene with missing pieces of the car, and the 42-year-old vehicle owner was arrested after police found that the bumper of the car was removed and being cleaned with chemicals.

Police were also searching for a black pickup truck and its owner, who was allegedly the second hit-and-run driver. When located, this driver will also face felony charges that will include fleeing an accident scene and evidence tampering. The accident investigation was a combined project of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Poplar Bluff Police Department.

As is natural after fatal pedestrian accidents, this Missouri family’s grief is likely overwhelming. Additional stress may be caused by the high costs of end-of-life arrangements. Financial relief may be available to take care of these costs and allow the family time to adjust to life without their beloved daughter. A wrongful death claim may be filed in a civil court, and once negligence on the part of another party is established, the court will consider documented claims for financial losses and emotional damages brought about by the tragic accident.

Source: kfvs12.com, “Police still looking for truck after hit and run in Poplar Bluff”, Amber Ruch, Dec. 10, 2015