Car accidents can turn families’ lives upside down, especially when they lose a loved one. That became clear recently in Fort Collins when an innocent passenger lost her life in a fatal crash. The driver is being held responsible, although police are continuing their investigation into the cause of the car accident.
A young couple was heading northbound on Larimer County Road on the evening of March 14, 2014. At around 8:15 p.m., the 25-year-old driver lost control of the 1984 GMC pickup he was driving after failing to properly navigate a bend in the road. A trooper with the Colorado State Patrol reported that the pickup truck was near the Crystal Lakes subdivision when it wound up going off of the road, colliding with some rocks, and then coming to rest on the truck’s roof. The truck was the only vehicle involved in the crash.
The 26-year-old female passenger lost her life as a result of the crash. The truck’s driver was airlifted to Loveland’s Medical Center of the Rockies where he received treatment for the injuries he sustained in the accident. His injuries were reported to be moderate to severe. The driver was ultimately arrested for the accident. He was charged with six offenses, including vehicular homicide, careless driving, and DUI, and was detained in the Larimer County Jail. Law enforcement officials noted that neither the driver nor the passenger were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The police are continuing their investigation into the incident and are seeking the public’s help in obtaining more information about what may have occurred. Although they suspect the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving, they are trying to determine whether other reckless behavior, such as speeding or becoming distracted, were also factors in the car accident.
Losing a loved one suddenly is not only emotionally devastating, but bring a family to financial ruin. Seeking professional help when there is a wrongful death, such as this vehicular homicide, can help families legally seek the compensation they deserve. Claims might include those for future income, loss of companionship, medical expenses and emotional suffering.
Source: Coloradoan.com, “Fort Collins woman fatally injured in crash; driver jailed” Madeline Novey, Mar. 16, 2014
