A Kentucky roadway was shut down for hours following a recent highway tragedy that resulted in multiple fatalities. A 35-year-old driver veered across the centerline of traffic and struck two vehicles heading the opposite direction. Several people died, including a 3-year-old girl and her 25-year-old mother.
Driver had been in a northbound lane to start
Investigators were not immediately certain what caused the northbound driver to veer over the yellow line, into the southbound lane of traffic. As his vehicle entered opposing traffic, he reportedly sideswiped a pickup truck, then struck another car. Police say the driver of the pickup truck did not suffer injuries but was ultimately taken into custody for suspected drunk driving.
Numerous fatalities and injuries occurred
The driver of the second vehicle that was struck was airlifted to a nearby trauma center. A juvenile passenger in his car was also flown out for emergency care. Sadly, the 25-year-old woman riding as a passenger in the vehicle and her 3-year-old child did not survive the collision. The driver deemed responsible for the crash was also pronounced dead at the scene.
Grieving families may seek restitution
When driver negligence is a direct cause of fatality in a Kentucky motor vehicle collision, an immediate family member of the decedent may seek justice by filing a wrongful death claim in a civil court. While nothing can replace the loss of a human life, court-awarded compensation often helps grieving families offset funeral expenses and other financial distress associated with their loved one’s death. If the person deemed responsible has not survived the collision in question, the claim may be filed against his or her estate.