Odessa is a small community in Lafayette County, Missouri, with a population of just 5,300. While the interstate runs nearby, the community is still close-knit, which means when an accident, injury or fatality occurs, many people in the local area are affected.
For example, February of 2016 a 17-year-old Odessa boy lost his life in an accident that occurred on the well-known Route Z. Many in the community already consider this a dangerous intersection and have tried to take action in the past to make it safer.
The teen that passed away was driving on route Z when his vehicle entered the path of a woman driving on Route TT. The woman struck the driver’s side of the teen’s truck with both vehicles landing on the side of the road off of Route Z.
The Importance of Legal Representation after an Accident
In the example above, the teen was at fault in the accident because he drifted into the lane of the woman. However, since he passed away, the question is can the teen’s family be held responsible or liable for the injuries and damages that occurred?
In some cases, due to a law referred to as “negligent entrustment,” parents or guardians of teen drivers can be held responsible for accidents caused by their teen. While this law may not be as strictly enforced today, it is still in place and can be used in certain situations. To know whether or not this applies in your situation, it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney.
An attorney can sort through the facts of any case to help determine who is liable and who is responsible for paying for damages and injuries that occurred. Unfortunately, there are countless dangerous intersections and roadways throughout Odessa, MO, which can lead to serious and often severe accidents.
Other Dangerous Roads in Odessa
In addition to Routes TT and Z, there are several other dangerous intersections and roadways in the community. Some of the most well-known include:
- Route 224
- Route 2
- I-70
While being aware of the dangerous intersections is important, it is also important to drive safely at all times. This means reducing distractions and obeying the laws and speed limits in place. Unfortunately, even with cautious driving, accidents still happen.
Missouri Crash Statistics
The state of Missouri is no stranger to accidents that result in injuries and fatalities. Consider the following statistics provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol Statistical Analysis Center.
- In 2014, there were a total of 766 vehicle collision fatalities in the state, with the number of fatalities going up to 870 in 2015
- In 2014, 47,977 suffered injuries after a collision
- 22,474 of the crashes involved speeding in 2014 while alcohol was involved with 5,976
- The age of the drivers was split between older drivers, at 42,747, and younger drivers being involved at 32,763
- Commercial vehicle crashes totaled 12,082 in 2014 and motorcycle collisions totaled 2,253
If you are ever involved in an accident that isn’t your fault, then it is best to consult with a personal injury attorney to see what rights you have and whether or not you can recover compensation.
