Fatal automobile accidents are never easy to discuss. As drivers, we all have a certain amount of control when we get behind the wheel. We can choose what we consume, how well we’ve slept, and how much time we’ve given for travel before starting up our car. These are just a few of the many decisions we make, each and every time we prepare to get behind the wheel. In this way, we can be fairly prepared to face whatever comes at us during the day.
So when we hear of a fatal car accident, we can’t help but to wonder what circumstances were involved that caused an otherwise perfectly normal day to go awry. Unfortunately, this questioning process is not always as clear and straightforward as we would want it to be. And often, it takes more investigation to root out the real source of the accident.
A recent collision involving a 21-year-old driver has us contemplating what could have gone wrong.
Late last month, 21-year-old Macayla Razes was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Impala when the car went off the road into the median, then back on, then returned to the median a second time, rolling a number of times before coming to a stop.
Razes was ejected from the car and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her passengers, three minors, sustained only minimal injuries.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Razes family during this difficult time. It is never easy to lose a loved one. But, what’s worse is that the cause of the accident is yet to be determined.
There Are Many Factors To Consider
As Denver accident lawyers, we have approached the information from a variety of viewpoints. Given the fact that she seemed to be struggling to control the vehicle—driving into the center median before the rollover occurred—we wonder what kind of distraction existed in the car.
Even the best, most experienced drivers are going to be distracted when other people are driving with them. Especially if these were friends, it is easy to imagine how Ms. Razes may have been focusing more on what was going on inside the car than outside.
We are also led to wonder if Ms. Razes was wearing her seatbelt? Ejection from a car in a collision is far more common for people who are not wearing seatbelts than people who are. So, it is possible that this contributed to the severity of the accident and ultimately, her death.
Currently, sources do not point to any kind of impairment due to drugs or alcohol, but that is another common occurrence, especially for newer drivers who do not yet understand the importance of being sober behind the wheel.
A medical condition, such as a seizure, could also impair driving, making it difficult to retain control of a vehicle.
While we cannot definitively say if any of these were issues related to the accident, we can say that this event offers a good opportunity for parents and guardians to speak with their newer drivers, about the importance of road safety.
In all likelihood, this death, like so many others, could have been prevented. A life lost due to a lack of information or careless driving is always one life too many. So, take a moment and have a conversation with the drivers in your life.
We know how difficult it can be to handle the aftermath of a fatal collision, and we don’t wish that upon anyone. However, should you have a case on your hands, but aren’t sure where to turn, let us reassure you that we are here to help.
So don’t be afraid to contact us. We’ll be glad to listen to your story, and help you move in the right direction.
