Responsible driver in a car accident not always easy to determine

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Statements of witnesses and the people involved in an accident are only a part of determining its cause. The evidence at the scene of a car accident may not be enough for authorities to quickly assign fault — especially if no witnesses are available to at least point investigators in the right direction. For example, the South Carolina Highway Patrol does not yet know which driver is responsible for a crash that recently occurred at an intersection on Highway 151.

The only information gathered during the preliminary investigation is that a pickup truck and tractor trailer collided at approximately 11:45 a.m. on a recent Tuesday. The driver of the pickup truck was attempting to cross the highway as the 18-wheeler headed south. There is a traffic signal at the intersection in question, and further investigation is required in order to determine which of the two vehicles failed to obey it.

Complicating matters is the fact that the 63-year-old driver of the pickup truck lost her life in the crash. Her passenger suffered unidentified injuries and was taken to an area hospital. The driver of the semi-truck also suffered unknown injuries and was taken to the hospital. The current conditions of the survivors were not reported.

Authorities did not give any indication as to when they may issue a final report regarding the cause of this car accident. In the meantime, the family of the deceased driver and the truck driver could benefit from gaining an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in connection with this crash. When it is determined which driver was at fault, he, or the estate of the driver who died, could face civil actions for monetary damages permitted under South Carolina law.

Source: wmbfnews.com, “SC Highway Patrol reports fatal accident in Darlington County“, April 14, 2015

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