Driving can mean different things to various people. Some look at driving an automobile as a means to get to and from work. Others see it as necessary to transport their kids and run errands. And some drivers may look at driving as an enjoyable activity. Regardless of its purpose, driving is considered a privilege and some young motorists look at it as a ticket to freedom. This outlook could lead to dangerous situations because young drivers seeking freedom from behind the wheel may not use adequate precautions to avoid hazards.
A two-vehicle accident is under investigation by police in Franklin Township. The recent car accident occurred near the intersection of Grant Avenue and Jackson Avenue just before 5 a.m. According to preliminary reports, the early morning accident occurred when two drivers were traveling at a high rate of speed. It is speculated that the drivers were drag racing and it was reported that the two drivers are friends.
Both drivers lost control of their vehicles. It isn’t clear at this time if the vehicles collided with one another. One of the cars overturned and landed in a nearby pond. The other vehicle struck a tree, overturned and the car bust into flames.
Emergency crews responded to the incident and assessed the situation. Divers were called to the scene and the driver of the vehicle that landed in the pond was pronounced dead. The other driver was airlifted to the hospital and is in stable condition.
Investigation is ongoing and authorities have not determined the exact cause of the accident. One or both drivers could be found liable. Liability in this case could be an issue of contributory negligence if both drivers were drag racing. That does preclude civil lawsuits but compensation might be limited depending on the allocation of liability. The loved ones of the deceased driver could file a wrongful death claim against the other driver. Depending on what the investigation reveals, the injured driver might have a personal injury claim against the estate of the deceased driver.
Driving at high speeds and drag racing is considered a dangerous and reckless activity, not to mention illegal. A driver that causes an accident due to this type of negligent or reckless behavior could face civil liabilities. And anyone injured because of such behavior may be able to recover compensation for the damages and costs related to the accident.
Source: 6 ABC Action News, “Police ID drivers in fatal Franklin Township drag racing crash,” July 28, 2013