Yesterday, December 3, 2015, a driver going the wrong way on Minnesota Highway 280 hit another vehicle, seriously injuring the driver, a man from New Brighton. 4 others were also injured.
The wrong-way driver then fled the scene on foot and was found dead by St. Paul Police several hours later and about ¼ mile from the scene of the crash.
A Nissan Altima was traveling on Highway 280 southbound in the northbound lane (the wrong way) and hit head-on a Hyundai Elantra driven by Hor M. El. There were 5 people injured in the crash.
The driver of the Altima, whose name has not been released, fled on foot before St. Paul Police arrived. The initial investigation suggests the wrong-way driver ran about ¼ mile then jumped a guardrail and fell about 40 feet to his death. The Ramsey County Medical Examiner is handling the death investigation and the identification of the driver, who was a 30-year-old man from St. Paul.
Investigators suspect the wrong-way drive had been drinking. The accident happened at about 2:21 a.m.
What Happens When an At-Fault Driver Dies?
If an at-fault driver dies, those injured can sue the estate of that person. If the vehicle is insured, the insurance company pays the injured person, even though the at-fault driver has passed away.
What if the At-Fault Driver was Intoxicated?
If an at-fault driver had been drinking before the accident (even a few hours before), your lawyer will need to find out if a bar, restaurant or other drinking establishment can be sued for money damages under Minnesota “dram shop” laws. If a bar illegally served alcohol to the at-fault driver prior to the accident, anyone injured by that driver can, in many cases, sue the bar for compensation. This is important because when someone is critically injured the at-fault driver’s insurance generally does not cover all of the medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. Our lawyers can help get additional money (in some cases substantial) from a bar that illegally served alcohol, which includes serving someone who has already had too much to drink.
A car accident settlement or verdict should include compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
Sources:
https://app.dps.mn.gov/mspmedia/
http://www.startribune.com/wrong-way-driver-killed-in-late-night-head-on-crash-in-st-paul/364115721/