Personal Injury Law

Driver Charged in Cameron Woman?s Death

By Ryan Bradley, Esq.

Laura Fisher, 31, died Sunday from serious injuries suffered as a result of a three-vehicle crash that occurred on Friday night. The Missouri car accident took place around 8:30 p.m. near the south entrance of the Wal-mart store. Laura?s was traveling westbound in her 1996 Corolla, when Frederick Thornton, 31, also of Cameron, Missouri, hit Fisher?s car, then hit a Kia Optima driven by Karen Sleeth, 58. Mr. Thornton was traveling northbound on US 69 approaching a red light when he failed to yield, striking Ms. Fisher?s car in the driver?s side door. Thornton?s car then struck Ms. Sleeth?s car which was stopped, facing southbound on US 69. The damage to Ms. Sleeth?s car was minor, and she sustained no injuries from the accident. Ms. Fisher was wearing a seat belt, however Mr. Thornton was not.

Unbelievably, Thornton fled the scene on foot, but was later apprehended by a police officer following a short chase. According to a Missouri Highway Patrol report, Ms. Fisher was taken to Cameron Regional Medical Center and later transported to North Kansas City Hospital. Mr. Thornton refused medical treatment at the scene of the accident.

An simple background check revealed Thornton has at least two convictions for drunk driving. In 2006, after he pled guilty to DUI charges, Thornton was sentenced to 15 days in jail and two years of probation. Less than a year later, in 2007, Thornton received a four year sentence for a second DUI, but was paroled early. Thornton is being charged with DWI as well as leaving the scene of an accident. Police stated they will be talking to Cameron prosecutors this morning to discuss the possibility of adding more charges.

When a fatality occurs in an accident such as this, additional investigations will be conducted, and you may find you need the services of a Missouri personal injury lawyer. While criminal charges often follow in a situation such as the one above, the victims and family members who have lost loved ones can seek civil damages by filing a wrongful death claim. It is often said the criminal charges make one pay his debt to society whereas a civil lawsuit makes the offender pay his debt to the victim.

Oftentimes, in cases like this, insurance companies will look for ways to reduce their liability, and the amount owed to the victim's family. Insurance companies rarely offer assistance to victims making it essential families at the very least obtain a free consultation with a Missouri wrongful death attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

In cases where the insurance company has made a "policy limits offer," it is necessary to ensure all insurance is exhausted. Many times, insurance companies will take advantage of families and hide additional or supplemental insurance. Bottom line: never trust an opposing insurance carrier. Have a competent Missouri wrongful death attorney review your case for free.

Full post as published by Missouri Accident Lawyer Blog on January 31, 2011 (boomark / email).