Massachusetts police continue to investigate fatal car accident

Drivers on Massachusetts roads face many risks. While the state has taken many safety precautions, there is nothing but a strip of paint separating oncoming traffic on many roadways. Unfortunately, even what may seem as a relatively small mistake — such as going across the center line — can have devastating consequences. For example, police in Massachusetts are still investigating a recent fatal car accident.

Reports indicate that the accident happened one evening on a day in May. Police claim that the driver of a vehicle crossed the centerline, plowing head-on into a vehicle driven by a 29-year-old man. The driver of the second vehicle died as a result of injuries suffered in the accident.

The identity of the driver of the first vehicle has not been released. However, the driver is expected to survive. A spokesperson for the police department stated that no one has been charged in connection with the accident and that the investigation is ongoing.

Criminal charges against the driver who allegedly caused the accident, if pursued, may provide some closure for the family grieving the loss of their loved one. However, they do not typically not help the family cope with the financial consequences of the fatal car accident. Many families in Massachusetts struggle with funeral expenses and loss of wages after such a tragedy. As a result, they turn to the civil court for relief. Although a conviction of criminal charges would support claims of negligence, such an outcome is not necessary in order to prove a case as civil claims require a lower burden of proof in comparison to a criminal case.

Source: gazettenet.com, “South Hadley crash kills Westfield man“, Dave Eisenstadter, May 23, 2016