When people think of car accident victims, they likely think about the people inside the cars. While it is true that the drivers and passengers inside a car are likely to be injured in a car accident, they aren’t the only people that could be involved. Pedestrians, for example, are frequent car accident victims.
Sadly, a pedestrian in Kansas City, Missouri was recently killed because of a car accident. According to reports, the incident occurred on Prospect Avenue near the intersection with 34th Street at around 4:00 p.m. Police say that the accident occurred when a teenager was driving the wrong way down the street in a Chevy Impala.
While driving, the Impala smashed into a Hyundai. The 42-year-old pedestrian was struck during the course of the accident and was killed because of the impact. In addition to this man’s death, four people were injured in the accident: the driver of the Impala and three people in the Hyundai. The Impala’s driver has been hospitalized as a result of her injuries.
Police are investigating the accident. If the police determine that one of the drivers was negligent in causing the accident, and subsequently the man’s death, criminal charges may be possible. Car accident victims, and their families, however, also have the option of bringing a civil case against a negligent driver.
In a personal injury or wrongful death suit, car accident victims and their families may be able to receive compensation from a driver who is adjudged to be at fault. This compensation includes losses caused by the car accident, such as medical expenses and lost wages. This suit can help mitigate any financial harm to the victim because of the reckless or negligent behavior of another.
Source: KSHB, “UPDATE: Pedestrian dead, four others injured in accident on Prospect Avenue,” Shain Bergan, Nick Sloan, July 19, 2015