A collision that results when one vehicle crosses the centerline of a highway is one of the deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents. One such accident took place on I-90 near Alberton, Montana recently. The occupants of the three vehicles involved were fortunate in a sense; they all survived. But four of them suffered serious injury and had to be transported to local hospitals.
According to the Montana Highway Patrol, a Toyota Prius was driving east through a construction zone when for unknown reasons it crossed the centerline. It collided with a two-door Ford in the opposite lane. A third vehicle, traveling westbound behind the Ford, took evasive action to avoid the crash, but rolled over in doing so.
One of the occupants of the Toyota had to be airlifted to an area hospital. A second person in the Toyota, the driver of the Ford and one of the two people in the third vehicle were taken to hospital by ambulance.
While it is not known why the Toyota crossed the centerline in this case, it seems worth noting that this car accident happened in a construction zone. Construction zones require a driver’s full attention. They require that drivers slow down to negotiate closed-off and narrowed lanes. In many construction zones temporary lanes wind through traffic cones and other barriers, requiring careful maneuvering by drivers. Failing to maintain one’s lane is negligence, regardless of whether that lane is a temporary lane through a construction zone. Those injured by a negligent driver have the right to sue for damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Source: KTVQ.com, “4 hospitalized after 3 car crash near Alberton,” Melissa Rafferty, July 2, 2013
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