Michael Querns injured in Lincoln County vehicle crash
The northbound Isuzu NPR left the roadway and struck a tree on Wednesday afternoon
Michael Querns, 28, was injured when the vehicle he was riding in veered off Highway 51 and struck a tree in Lincoln County, Mississippi, on Wednesday, according to the Highway Patrol.
Querns was a passenger in a northbound 2009 Isuzu NPR that drifted off the west side of the highway before slamming into a tree, authorities said. The 28-year-old and a second passenger were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The driver of the vehicle died from their injuries.
The crash remains under investigation.
Mississippi recorded 732 motor vehicle crash deaths in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This figure gives the state the highest death rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in the nation.
Authorities are investigating the crash that killed Querns on Highway 51. Investigators will look into whether driver distraction, impairment, or mechanical failure contributed to the crash.
National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "As attorneys, our job is to provide both legal information and advice to the families of those who have been killed in an accident," Bond said. "In these crashes, the margin for error disappears, turning ordinary mistakes into deadly consequences."
Highway 51 is an important route for traffic in Lincoln County. When a serious crash occurs, it can raise questions about safety for others using the road.
Investigators will likely examine the vehicle's event data recorder to help determine why it left the highway.
Stefano Formica, of Bond Legal, commented on the legal process for those injured in crashes. "Victims should seek legal guidance when pursuing a personal injury case, which allows them to handle insurance communications and protect a victim's rights," Formica said. "Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly."
Mississippi personal injury claims In Mississippi, injured victims have the right to pursue a personal injury claim to seek compensation for damages. The state applies pure comparative fault, meaning compensation can be reduced by a victim's percentage of fault. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the crash.
Victims may be entitled to damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.