Many accidents caused by a driver crossing into the lanes of oncoming traffic happen because of impairment, fatigue or distractions. Although cellphones are the most common cause of distraction, passengers can also distract a driver, especially young children. A recent fatal crash in Florida might have happened for any of these or other reasons.
How did the accident happen?
Reportedly, a 39-year-old woman from another state with four child passengers was eastbound on State Road 4 in an SUV shortly before 6:30 p.m. on a recent Monday. According to Florida Highway Patrol, she crossed the centerline and entered the lane of oncoming traffic. Crossing the centerline put her vehicle directly in the westbound path of another SUV.
The consequences
Both drivers were seriously injured in the resulting head-on collision. No personal information was reported about the westbound driver. Both were transported to a medical center in Fort Walton beach.
Sadly, a 9-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries at the crash scene. A 4-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy suffered critical injuries, and the injuries of a 3-year-old girl were described as serious. The three injured children were rushed to another hospital. FHP reported that charges might follow the investigation. However, they did not indicate the cause for the driver crossing the centerline.
Possible civil lawsuits
In the circumstances such as this vehicle accident, the first concern is for the injured drivers and children. The law typically allows personal injury claims to be filed on behalf of child passengers when they are seriously injured, regardless of the relationship between the driver and the children. A wrongful death claim may also be filed if a child passenger dies in a car accident. In this case, the westbound driver could also have grounds to pursue financial relief by filing a personal injury claim in a Florida civil court.