Cazh’mere Green dies in Independence car accident, police say
The 19-year-old passenger succumbed to injuries days after a Jeep vaulted off an embankment and struck a tree
Cazh’mere Green, 19, of Kansas City, died from injuries suffered in a single-vehicle car accident on East Truman Road near Glenwood Avenue in Independence, on April 18, according to police.
The westbound Jeep Grand Cherokee left the road just after midnight. The SUV vaulted off a grass embankment and slammed into a large tree.
Two people were taken to a hospital in serious condition. The passenger succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators cited speed as a cause in the wreck. The crash remains under investigation.
Why did the Jeep leave East Truman Road?
Police are investigating why the Jeep left East Truman Road. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and require thorough examination," Bond said.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that aggressive driving and speeding cause about 500 traffic deaths in the state each year.
What rights do passengers have in Missouri crashes?
Families of passengers killed in single-vehicle crashes often deal with complex insurance claims. Liability typically rests with the driver of the vehicle the passenger was in.
"Grieving families of victims are sometimes overwhelmed by the legal processes that are in place to protect their rights," said National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal.
Missouri wrongful death statute
Under Mo. Rev. Stat. § 537.080, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Missouri applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 3 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and aggravating circumstances damages.