Missouri Injury Attorney Blog

A defective vehicle accident results in the death of one and leaves another with serious personal injuries on July 6, according to a report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP).

The accident occurred on I-57 about seven miles north of Charleston, MO at approximately ten in the morning. A 1994 Mack dump truck, driven by Nathan L. Belstle, 23, of Fayette, MO, suffered a vehicle defect, crossed the centerline, and struck a 2004 Jeep, driven by Robert G. Downey, 36, of Collierville, TN, head-on. Downey was pronounced dead at the scene by Mississippi County Coroner Terry Parker. Belstle was air lifted to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau with serious injuries.

My heart goes out to the family and friends of Mr. Downey. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, as well as Mr. Belstle and his loved ones. I wish him the best and I hope that he has a quick and complete recovery.

According to the MSHP’s report, it is not clear what exactly went wrong with Belstle’s truck and what caused the defect. Victims and loved ones, like in this particular case would be well-advised to get in touch with an experienced Missouri defective product attorney at David Payne Law. The manufacturer and/or the distributor of the defective vehicle, the Mack dump truck in this accident, could very well be held liable for the accident and the injuries resulting from it.

Injured victims and their families can get compensation to cover the following:

•Medical expenses
•Funeral expenses
•Medication costs
•Hospitalization or long-term care
•Loss of wages
•Other damages resulting from the accident

It would be quite important in product liability cases such as this one to preserve the vehicle in its crashed condition, unaltered, so it can be thoroughly examined for mechanical problems, product defects and other evidence.

If you suspect your personal injuries are a result of a defective car or a car product defect, please contact experienced Missouri product liability attorney David Payne. David Payne will be able to help clients pursue their rights and explore their legal options.

Please contact David at 417.847.7516 for a free and comprehensive consultation regarding your case.