The Colorado State Patrol investigates numerous accidents on Interstate 25. Determining the factor or factors that led to each of them may be evident from the scene, but others may be more elusive. When the crash involved is a fatal motor vehicle accident, one potential source of information regarding the cause is not available, which could make the investigation take longer.
For example, troopers with the Colorado State Patrol responded to a crash on Interstate 25 on a recent Saturday morning. It involved one vehicle that ended up crossing from the northbound lanes into the southbound lanes, at which point it flipped before finally coming to rest along a frontage road. The two men in the vehicle were both thrown out during the crash.
Both succumbed to the injuries they suffered in the accident. Troopers report they have ruled out alcohol and speed as causes of the driver’s loss of control of the vehicle. However, they have yet to determine what did cause the crash since it is now impossible to speak to the vehicle occupants. Even if the exact cause cannot be determined, that does not mean that the family of the passenger does not retain the right to file a civil action against the driver’s estate.
In order to prevail in a claim arising out of a fatal motor vehicle accident, surviving family members must prove negligence. Understanding the causes that led to the accident often help in that regard, but when those exact factors are elusive, other evidence takes on more importance. If the evidence presented proves negligence, then a Colorado court may award damages to the grieving family.