Authorities announced that a 4-year-old boy injured in a June 14 two-vehicle accident in Wood County has died. A 32-year-old Manitowoc man was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. Deputies from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department have determined that the crash was caused by a dump truck that failed to yield at a stop sign. Initial reports do not indicate if charges will be brought against the 70-year-old Stevens Point man who was behind the wheel of the dump truck.
Negligence leads to an accident
According to a WCSD report, the deadly accident took place at the intersection of State Highway 186 and State Highway 73 in the town of Sigel shortly before noon. After failing to yield at the stop sign, the southbound dump truck struck a passenger vehicle that had been proceeding westbound on State Highway 73. Media reports suggest that the dump truck driver remained at the scene and assisted WCSD deputies with their investigation.
Helicopter and ambulance called to the scene
The dump truck driver escaped the accident with only minor injuries, but the same cannot be said for the three occupants of the passenger vehicle. When emergency workers arrived at the scene, their first task was freeing the three people trapped in the car. After pronouncing a man in the rear seat dead, paramedics took the 28-year-old woman who had been driving the car to the Marshfield Medical Center in an ambulance. A 4-year-old boy who had been sitting in a child seat in the rear of the car suffered even more serious injuries, and a helicopter was called in to transport him to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Wrongful death lawsuits when no criminal charges are filed
The family members of road users killed in car accidents caused by the negligent actions of others may pursue wrongful death lawsuits even if the reckless driver responsible is not charged with a crime. This is because the standard of proof is not as strict in civil court, and wrongful death plaintiffs are not required to establish intent. If one of your family members is killed in such an accident, an experienced personal injury attorney may pursue civil remedies on your behalf to compensate you for medical bills, property damage, funeral costs, lost income and loss of companionship.
