Whenever there is a holiday weekend, scores of people in Missouri take to the roads. With increased traffic comes increased risk for accidents. Sadly, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that six lives were lost in car accidents on state roads this Labor Day weekend.

One of those fatal crashes reportedly took place on Route C in Gasconade County on Labor Day. According to an accident report by the attending trooper, a 16-year-old boy from Overland was traveling west on the county road when he allegedly lost control of his vehicle in a turn. The vehicle rolled over after it left the roadway.

Reportedly, neither the driver nor his passenger wore their safety belts. The driver suffered moderate injuries, and he was admitted to a Rolla hospital. The 24-year-old passenger, a Leslie resident, suffered more severe injuries. He was rushed to the Phelps County Hospital but succumbed to his injuries later, and he was pronounced dead within two hours after the crash. No mention is made of the possible involvement of alcohol or drugs.

The deceased passenger’s surviving family members will be entitled to hold the teenage driver accountable for their damages brought about by the tragic accident. However, as with all lawsuits for the recovery of losses after car accidents, negligence must be established. In a case in which the alleged negligent driver is a teen, the registered owner of the vehicle can also be named as a defendant when a wrongful death claim is filed in a Missouri civil court. The successful presentation of such a claim may lead to a monetary judgment to cover documented claims for emotional and financial losses.

Source: gasconadecountyrepublican.com, “Leslie man, 24, dies in Labor Day accident south of Bland on Rt. C”, Sept. 7, 2016