Randolph Jacobs Killed, Three Hurt in Accident in Stonewall, OK
Stonewall, OK -- A two-vehicle collision claimed the life of 80-year-old Randolph Jacobs in the area of Stonewall, OK Sunday, January 29, 2017.
Police officials say the collision happened on State Highway 3 around 6:30 p.m.
It looks like a Honda Civic was attempting to pass a second vehicle when it collided head-on with a Kia Soul. Randolph Jacobs, an 80-year-old passenger in the Civic, was taken to a nearby hospital, but was declared dead. The driver of the Civic and the driver of the Soul were taken to hospitals with multiple injuries. A passenger in the Soul was injured as well. The identities and conditions of the injured victims had not been disclosed.
The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by authorities.
No more information is available at this time.
map of the area
Commentary
In more than two decades of litigating car accident cases, I can think of only one where the passenger grabbed the wheel, causing an accident. Until we know the outcome of a subjective, thorough investigation, it's difficult to say who was at fault in this accident. But, based upon experience, the chance this passenger bears any responsibility in this accident hardly deserves consideration.
When passengers suffer injuries or die in accidents, there are usually more questions than answers facing those left behind. Most families are either uninformed, or misinformed regarding what steps to take next. Regarding liability, rights of passengers is not nearly labyrinthine as it might appear. Short of a passenger contributing directly to an accident, victim's families often have a legitimate claim against someone. Don't get me wrong, insurance companies are not going to just roll over and concede defeat. Passenger's families still have to go through a legal process.
The link provided below is an excellent source of information with respect to rights of passengers.
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--Grossman Law Offices