Missouri Woman Sues Other Drivers for More Than $150,000
On behalf of Brown & Crouppen, P.C. posted in Motor Vehicle Accident on Friday, April 13, 2012
Driving has become so automatic that people sometimes forget that they are responsible for their actions on the roads. Many car accidents are caused by distracted drivers who are changing the radio station, talking on a cell phone, texting, or distracted by other passengers in the car. But what about those who fail to maintain their car in order to avoid an accident?
This issue has been broached by a Missouri woman who crashed into a group of cars that she was unable to avoid after they had been involved in a collision. The woman is suing the three other drivers and seeking judgment of more than $150,000, plus costs.
According to the complaint, the original crash was caused when the driver of a 2001 Saturn got a flat tire. When the driver slowed down she was rear-ended by another vehicle. The driver of the second vehicle was then hit by the driver of a 2008 Pontiac who failed to slow down in time.
The Missouri woman is seeking damages to cover medical costs including injuries to her neck, back and right foot. She says that the driver of the first car negligently failed to properly keep her car in safe driving condition and did not have safe tires on the car. This failure to upkeep the vehicle may have been the catalyst for the accident.
The suit also claims that the other two drivers involved were driving too fast and failed to brake in time. Whether the other drivers are found guilty or not, the allegations are a reminder of a driver’s responsibility to ensure the vehicle they are driving is maintained to avoid such collisions. It’s also a reminder that drivers need to stay a close distance behind others on the road to provide ample time to stop when necessary. The woman filing the suit also claimed that one of the drivers was intoxicated which is not only unsafe, but illegal.
Source: The Madison Record, “Pile-up on Route 3 leads to personal injury suit,” Kelly Holleran, April 12, 2012