Washington residents know that tragedy can strike anyone at any time when behind the wheel of a car. Recently, a tragic car accident occurred outside the town of Naselle. According to reports, two injured children, ages four and two, were found in a forested area after the car they were riding in had been involved in a serious collision. Early reports of the car crash indicate that the car, which was being driven by their 26-year-old mother, struck a tree.
The mother of the children did not survive the crash and was found dead at the scene of the accident. Miraculously though, the four-year-old girl appears to have extracted her younger sister out of the car and then did everything she could to keep her warm until the girls were found by a driver who was passing by and alerted the authorities.
The children were taken to a hospital in Astoria, Oregon. The extent of their injuries is not known at this time. The Washington state patrol is investigating the crash but the reports indicate that the mother of the children was on her way to pick up their father, who is now with the girls at the hospital.
There are many possible causes for such a crash. Sometimes speed or careless driving is to blame. Sometimes a driver can get sleepy or distracted. Other times, a mechanical issue with the car is to blame. There is also the possibility that the driver attempted to swerve to avoid hitting another car, person or animal.
If anyone is injured either as a driver or as a passenger in a vehicle by a negligent driver, they may be entitled to recover damages for their injuries. These damages may include reimbursement for medical expenses, damages for pain and suffering, damages for any permanent impairment or disability caused by the accident and lost wages. If someone is killed as a result of a car accident, their immediate family members may file a wrongful death action. In these cases, damages for loss of companionship, loss of future wages and pain and suffering may be recovered.
Source: kirotv.com, “State Patrol: 4 year old girl pulls younger sister from wreckage,” Feb. 20, 2013