Road intersections are inherently dangerous due to the simple fact that two or more roads cross paths at the location. Most intersections have traffic lights or stop signs to help manage traffic flow and keep drivers and their passengers safe. However, if someone runs a red light or does not yield to oncoming traffic, the results can be disastrous. This may have been what happened at an intersection in Lakewood recently that caused a fatal crash.
Details regarding the accident
According to reports, the incident occurred in Lakewood on Sept. 27 at about 4:40 in the afternoon at the intersection of West Morrison Road and Bear Creek Boulevard. News reports provide very little detail about the crash, but a video was provided from a helicopter news camera that showed the aftermath of the scene. Apparently, a motorcycle and small, red pickup truck were involved in the accident.
While one cannot determine exactly how the crash occurred from watching the video, it is apparent that the motorcycle was damaged almost beyond the point of recognition. The pickup truck had considerable damage to its front end and appears to be a total loss. The report did not indicate who died in the collision, but judging from the amount of damage the motorcycle sustained, one can easily assume the motorcycle rider was the one who suffered fatal injuries. Police closed the intersection for more than three hours as they cleaned up the scene and investigated the accident.
Legal recourse for victims
Since the report does not state who may have caused the accident, authorities are likely still trying to determine the facts. If they determine the deceased driver caused the accident, those injured have the right to pursue a civil suit against the estate of the deceased operator as well as any others with ownership of his or her vehicle. Likewise, if the driver who caused the accident survived the crash, the family of the deceased may elect to pursue a wrongful death claim against the driver to help with funeral costs and other expenses. Either way, plaintiffs must prove negligence on the part of the at-fault driver before the court will adjudicate the case and award damages.
