According to a report from KSHB 41 Kansas City, one person was killed and two more people were seriously injured in a wrong-way crash in Clay County. The catastrophic wreck is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement. Notably, the driver responsible for the crash is believed by state police to have stolen the vehicle. Here, our Kansas City car accident attorney explains what we know about the terrible crash.
Deadly Crash in Missouri Caused By Wrong-Way Driver
As confirmed by reporting from KSHB 41 Kansas City, a deadly crash involving a wrong-way driver shut down northbound Interstate 29 near North Oak Trafficway in Clay County on Saturday afternoon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported that a stolen vehicle traveling south in the northbound lanes struck another vehicle head-on just after 4 p.m. The passenger in the struck vehicle was pronounced dead. Both drivers were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Authorities confirmed the vehicle had been stolen earlier in Gladstone but was not being pursued at the time. The fatal crash is still under a more comprehensive investigation by the MSHP.
What are the Options for Victims of Stolen Vehicle Crashes in Missouri
Navigating the aftermath of a serious motor vehicle collision is hard. That is especially true if you were hit by a driver in a stolen vehicle. There are legal options available for the victims of stolen vehicle accidents in Missouri. Here are some key things to know:
- Auto Thief (Personal Liability): When a crash involves a stolen vehicle, the driver who took the car is primarily responsible for the damages. However, because most car thieves lack insurance or assets, victims often need to pursue recovery through other means.
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: Missouri requires every auto policy to include uninsured motorist coverage under RSMo § 379.203. The coverage applies when the at-fault driver has no valid insurance, such as in a stolen vehicle case. Victims may file a UM claim to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Third-Party Liability: In rare cases, a vehicle owner or business may share limited liability if their negligence contributed to the theft or crash. As an example, leaving a vehicle running while unattended may be negligence.
- Crime Victim Compensation: Missouri’s Crime Victims’ Compensation Fund (RSMo §595.010 et seq.) offers limited reimbursement for certain expenses if the crash was caused by a criminal act. It may help to cover some damages.
Set Up a Free Consultation With Our Kansas City Car Crash Lawyer Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City personal injury lawyer has the skills and experience to handle even the most serious of car wreck claims. If you have any questions about your rights, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation. From our office in Kansas City, we fight for justice for injured victims and their families in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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