There are many reasons why a vehicle might veer out of its lane into oncoming traffic. Such incidents often lead to accidents when a wrong-way vehicle crashes into oncoming traffic. This type of collision is often caused by driver negligence, including texting while driving, driving under the influence of alcohol, falling asleep at the wheel or other issues. A recent head-on crash in Missouri resulted in a fatality, although investigators have not stated the reason one of the vehicles entered the oncoming lane.
The vehicle in question was a pickup truck that was hauling an empty cattle trailer. A 19-year-old man was behind the wheel at the time. His vehicle had been traveling northbound when it breached the double yellow line and hit an oncoming van head-on. Sadly, the 63-year-old man who was driving the van died.
Rescuers worked a long time to free the pickup driver following the collision
The pickup truck driver was trapped in his vehicle after he hit the van. After extensive efforts, rescuers were finally able to extricate him. He was then transported to a hospital for treatment of a broken leg and other serious injuries.
Losing a loved one in a Missouri motor vehicle collision
Many wrong-way accidents are later determined to have been preventable were it not for driver negligence. When someone suffers the sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one in a Missouri collision, there may be grounds for filing a wrongful death claim in civil court. Financial distress from funeral costs and other expenses associated with a collision intensify the stress and emotional trauma that grieving families experience. Restitution ordered by the court can provide much-needed financial relief for a family who is navigating the aftermath of a motor vehicle tragedy.
