An early-morning car accident caused by a reckless driver killed an elderly man from Springfield on Dec. 19. Authorities report that the man was transported to local hospital facilities after the crash, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was not injured, though that man has been charged with reckless driving in connection with the accident.
The accident happened when a 22-year-old driver in a Subaru ran off the left side of I-395 just south of Exit 3. That car crashed into a guard rail and ricocheted back into the northbound lanes of traffic, striking the victim's pickup truck. The truck ran off the other side of the highway, striking a guard rail and flipping at least once before coming to rest.
The driver at fault also was transporting an adult female passenger. She was not injured in the incident. Authorities do not suspect drug or alcohol use in connection with the accident, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
In this case, it is clear that the driver of the smaller vehicle was at fault in the crash. He has been charged with reckless driving, an allegation that generally describes drivers who are traveling faster than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit.
Relatives of the deceased may choose to pursue a wrongful death suit in connection with the accident. The man's family members could claim loss of companionship, along with pain and suffering, loss of income and other civil charges. They could recoup medical and burial costs, as well, according to legal experts.
Even though the driver at fault was a young man, relatives could still seek to recover damages from his assets and holdings. In fact, the man's wages could even be garnished for some time if a civil decision is rendered against him, guaranteeing compensation for the elderly driver's relatives.
It is not clear whether the victim's family intends to file a civil suit for property and personal damage at this time.
Source: Kingstowne-Rosehill Patch, "Springfield man dies in Wednesday morning crash on I-395," Mary Ann Barton, Dec. 19, 2012
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