Missouri Injury Attorneys Blog

Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Coast Guard:

• Someone is injured or killed in a boating accident every 2 ¼ hours.


• Every year there are 3,000 serious injuries and 600 deaths due to boating accidents.

How Can You Avoid Becoming a Statistic?
You already know that you should wear a life jacket and make sure your boat is stocked with important safety equipment. But if you are the driver, it's a good idea to take a boating safety course before you set sail. Each state offers boat safety courses, many of which can be taken online for your convenience. In Missouri, you can get a Missouri Boating Safety Certification Card by passing the Missouri Boating Safety Course.

Check the Weather
When you plan your outing, make sure you know the weather forecast before you head out. It might look like a beautiful day is in store, but if storms are predicted for later in the day and you don't know it, you may find yourself scrambling to get back to shore to avoid rough waters or lightening strikes.

If you forget to check the weather and you see clouds forming and/or hear thunder in the distance, head for the nearest place to dock your boat and take shelter, even if that's not where you originally put your boat in the water. If your boat has a cabin, tell passengers to move to the cabin for their own safety.

Although these are suggestions to avoid causing a boating accident, it's not an all-inclusive list or a substitute for boat safety training. And remember--there are other boaters out there who may not be following boating safety rules as diligently as you are or who may not have taken a boating safety course, so to ensure a safe and fun day on the water, watch what you're doing and what others are doing.

You have life jackets. You have all the necessary safety equipment. But is your boat ready to take out on the water? You wouldn't drive a car with bad brakes, so why take a boat out if it's in bad condition? If you winterize your boat at the end of each boating season, you will likely avoid problems and possibly costly repairs in the spring. Here are a few things you should always check before you put your boat in the water:

• Do a visual check to make sure you don't see any holes in the boat, rust or corrosion.
• Check the spark plugs, battery and oil at the beginning of each season and monitor fluid levels.
• Make sure all fittings are tight and ropes are not frayed.
• Be sure the bilge pump is functioning properly.
• Make sure the electrical system is dry and not corroded.
• Be sure hoses are in good condition.
• Make sure your trailer works properly, including brake and signal lights.
• Make sure the lights, horn and radio work.

After your outing, there are steps you should take to keep your boat in good condition as well:

• Make sure you flush the engine, even if you only took your boat out in fresh water.
• Wash and wax it periodically to prevent buildup of salt, grime and barnacles. (This is imperative if you took your boat out in salt water.)
• Put a cover on your boat when it's not in use for protection from the elements. (As a bonus, covering it also enables you to store life jackets, coolers, sunscreen and other similar items inside.)

Although it may seem like there's a lot on these lists, they are not all-inclusive. The best way to make sure your boat is water-ready in the spring is to have it professionally inspected and take care of any issues before you take it out.

In Johnson County, two men receive serious injuries after a t-bone collision.

On May 14, 2013 at approximately 5:35 a.m., William Corum, age 68 from Bates City, Missouri was operating a 2010 Chevrolet. Mark Hammond, age 51 from Sedalia, Missouri was operating a 2008 Chevrolet.

At that said date and time, William Corum was traveling in the southbound direction while Mark Hammond was traveling in the westbound direction on US 50 at Route Z. The t-bone collision occurred as William Corum pulled into the path of Mark's vehicle. Mark's vehicle crashed into William's on the driver's side.

William Corum received serious injuries and was transported by air ambulance to Research Medical Center. Mark Hammond was seriously injured in the collision as well and was transported by Johnson County EMS to Research Medical Center. According to the crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol, both men involved were wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.

William's 2010 Chevrolet received extensive damages and Mark's 2008 Chevrolet received total damages from the collision. Both vehicles were towed by Ron's Towing.

This auto-crash was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and with the assistance of Troop A and the Johnson County Deputies.

READ CRASH REPORT

Continue reading "Two Seriously Injured in T-bone Collision" »

Boating is a great way to spend summer days, but before you head out into open waters, make sure your boat is supplied with the proper safety equipment. What you need depends on the size and type of boat you have, but the following list should get you started:

Emergency Floatation Devices: You should have one floatation device on board for each person on the boat. This includes lifejackets and throwable floatation devices such as buoyant cushions, ring buoys, and horseshoe buoys.
GPS or Compass: These items are especially helpful if you are in unfamiliar waters or tend to get turned around easily.
Radio: If you get stranded, it's a good idea to have a radio or cell phone that can reach someone on shore to help you.
Bell, Whistle or Horn: Other boaters may not see you, which could place you in harm's way. To avoid an accident, you need to have a bell, whistle or horn to warn them of your approach.
Fire Extinguisher: What would you do if your boat's motor caught on fire? In the heat of the moment, you might throw water on it, but that might actually make the problem worse. Boats that are more than 26 feet long are required to carry a Type B-1 fire extinguisher for just this type of fire.
Visual Distress Signals: If it's dark and your boat breaks down or if you've run aground and someone needs to locate you, having lights or flares will make it much easier to find you.
Oars: If your boat's motor dies and there's no boat towing service available, you'll be glad you packed a set of oars.
Anchor and Line: Make sure to have enough line to reach the bottom of the deepest water you think you will encounter.
Bucket or Bilge Pump: If your boat springs a leak, you'll need something to use to bail the water out.
First Aid Kit: For medical emergencies on board.
Food and Bottled Water: These things make the day more comfortable, and they become invaluable if you find yourself stranded.
Sunscreen: Protect your skin by wearing a waterproof sunscreen that guards against UVA and UVB rays, and remember to reapply throughout the day.

One of the most important things you can do is to leave a float plan with someone on shore. Make sure that person knows when you're going out on the water, where you're going and how long you think you'll be gone. That way if you do find yourself stranded, it will be easier for someone to get you some help.

Above all, don't boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Remember--if you are driving the boat, your passengers' safety is in your hands. Don't let them down!

In St. Louis County, 15-month-old Jay'lah Keith was killed after two boys were playing inside a vehicle and accidentally ran over the toddler.

On May 19, 2013 at about 4:00 p.m., one of the two boys involved had taken his mother's keys without her knowledge, accidentally shifted the car in drive and rolled forward over the toddler. Jay'lah was standing at the edge of the front yard when the car ran over her, police and relatives said. After the car began to roll from the gravel driveway into North Seventh Street, the boys, ages 11 and 12, jumped out of the car to try and help Jay'lah. The car rolled into a telephone pole across the street and stopped.

Elverita Graham, Jay'lah's grandmother, said that her parents and three siblings live in Belleville as they were visiting her on Saturdays as they regularly do. Elverita said she was resting on her couch when she heard Jay'lah screaming outside. Jay'lah's father brought her inside to get her help and to call 911.

Juvenile detectives were questioning the boys, but Police Chief Michael Floore called the incident an accident.

Elverita Graham said earlier in the day that she doesn't blame anyone for what happened. "It was an accident and I don't want to see them punished," she said. "They're young and they've got their whole lives ahead of them. I know they didn't mean to do it. It's just a horrible situation for everybody." She said she hopes Jay'lah's death teaches the boys a lesson that "everything has consequences and you have to think before you act."

On Sunday night, memorial candles were placed to spell out the letters of baby Jay'lah's name at a vigil outside the Gompers housing complex where the accident occurred. About 175 friends, relatives and neighbors gathered around the parents -- Whitney Cole, 24, and Marseani Keith, 23 -- to offer support and prayers. Some shouted out of words of comfort and one woman sang a gospel song as the sun began to set.

A cross with pink and white flowers was planted in the ground along with a growing pile of stuffed teddy bears, toy bunnies and a doll. A photo of the SIUE Early Head Start activity notebook was posted with a picture of the baby and her mother.

Whitney Cole, Jay'lah's mother, urged the community to watch the young children especially carefully.

"This is an eye opener," she said. "Watch the babies, we don't know what they'll do until it happens,'" she said.

READ ST.LOUIS POSTAL DISPATCH

Continue reading "Toddler Killed in East St. Louis " »

In north St. Louis, a truck driver is attacked by a man armed with a hammer in a road rage incident. The alleged attacker died after being run over by the truck driver.

On May 16, 2013 at about 11:45 a.m., St. Louis police say that Darvin Wallace, age 43, was fatally injured after being run over by a box truck as the truck driver tried to escape and get to a police station for help. Darvin Wallace had been clinging to the box truck on Union Boulevard when the truck driver swerved in and out of the roadway trying to shake his grasp, police reports say.

Wallace's widow, Jay Wallace, age 40, said that the driver of the box truck was the aggressor and that it was the driver of the truck who came at Wallace with a hammer.

"That's not like him," she said. "Darvin didn't have any enemies. He's a family man. You wouldn't be able to talk to nobody who could have told you anything bad about him."

She said he was a driver for First Student bus company, transporting St. Louis Public School students. He had been returning from lunch and had two co-workers in his SUV when the incident began at about 11:45 a.m. on Thursday.

Darvin Wallace died at about 5 p.m. that Thursday, roughly five hours after he attacked the driver of a box-style company truck that allegedly cut him off on Interstate 70.

Wallace lived in the 2800 block of Delmar Boulevard in St. Louis.

Here is the police account of what happened:

A 42-year-old man driving the box truck was traveling in the westbound direction on I-70 and east of Union Boulevard. The truck may have cut off a white Lincoln Navigator in traffic.

The white Lincoln Navigator, driven by Darvin Wallace, pulled alongside the truck and a man in the car began shouting at the truck driver. Darvin Wallace then pulled in front of the truck and slammed on the brakes. The truck swerved to avoid crashing into the back of the Lincoln Navigator. The truck got off the highway on Union Boulevard, with the Lincoln Navigator following.

At a traffic light on Union Boulevard, both were stopped when Wallace got out of his vehicle carrying a hammer. He swung it and broke the truck's passenger window. Wallace then leaned into the truck and started swinging the hammer at the truck driver but lost his grip on the hammer. Wallace went back to the Lincoln Navigator and returned with a large Maglite flashlight. He swung the flashlight at the windshield and hit the truck driver on the right arm. The truck driver received minor injuries.

Wallace's widow said the driver of the truck initially approached with the hammer, and that it doesn't make sense that the truck driver would sit there while Wallace returned to his Lincoln Navigator. "Common sense says if you are being attacked, you're not going to sit there and wait for him to get back to you," said Wallace's widow.

Police said the truck driver drove forward to try to get away. He turned east on Margaretta Avenue to try to get to the St. Louis Police Department's north patrol station.

Police said Wallace got back in the Lincoln Navigator and chased the truck, ramming it from behind. Wallace then got out of the Lincoln Navigator and jumped onto the driver's side sidesteps of the box truck, pounding on the driver's window. The truck driver then tried to shake Wallace from the truck -- driving forward and backward until Wallace fell off. That's when police say the truck accidentally ran over Wallace. He was taken to a hospital, where he died.

The driver of the truck was not arrested. Police continue to investigate, and Jay Wallace is hoping they learn more.

The couple have five children, ranging from 7 to 20 years old, and she is a bus driver for the Special School District.

It takes a special type of person to drive a bus full of kids, she said.

"Darvin's side of the story has not been told. It's all what (the truck driver's) side has said. Everybody's making it look like he's an attacker, this vicious man," she said. "I just want justice to be done."

READ ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH

Continue reading "After Road Rage Chase Man Armed with Hammer Dies " »

In Clayton County, the stepfather of a 12-year-old boy has been accused of providing alcohol to minors and pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree child endangerment after his stepson drowned in the Meramec River.

On August 5, 2012, Todd Combs, age 43, of Affton, allegedly supplied alcohol to seven minors at a family picnic at 18800 Franklin Road, Police said.

His stepson, Christopher Marks, was last seen about 7:30 p.m. and disappeared during a group outing at Pacific Palisades Conservation Area near Eureka, swinging on a rope near the Meramec according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Authorities launched an intensive search involving search-and-rescue teams from the entire St. Louis region. Combs himself actually discovered Christopher's body several days later near the Allenton access and about six miles east from where the boy was last seen playing on a rope swing. Combs and one of his friends had been searching on a watercraft for Christopher.

County police said they charged Combs after gathering evidence from witnesses and surveillance videos inside stores where they say Combs purchased the alcohol. According to police, Combs provided alcohol for Christopher and six other teenagers during the August 5 outing.

The charges involve seven separate victims, including Christopher, who were attending the family picnic.

Police said that they may never know how much alcohol Christopher consumed the night he drowned, because toxicology results from his body would include ethanol produced during the decomposition process. Prosecutors stopped short of pressing more serious manslaughter charges, saying they are unable to prove how much, if any, of a role alcohol played in Christopher's death.

Todd Combs will be sentenced June 24, 2013 in St. Louis County Circuit Court on the charges, which are all misdemeanors. The plea was not pursuant to any bargain with prosecutors.

Continue reading "Stepfather Pleads Guilty of Supplying Boy Alcohol Who Drowned in Meramec " »

On May 16, 2013, A.W. Smith Law Firm Marketing Director Julie McDermott received an award from the Columbia, Missouri police department for her assistance with the investigation of a bank robbery in June 2012. A few days after the bank robbery occurred, Ms. McDermott was taking a walk and notified police when she saw a bag of clothing that matched the news description of what the robber was wearing at the time of the robbery. The evidence found in the bag led to more evidence that helped move the stalled investigation forward quickly.

When the suspect was located in St. Louis and arrested, he was in a house with a few other people, one of whom was wanted and arrested for murder.

Jefferson County - Two people are seriously injured when a car became airborne and struck a tree Tuesday afternoon.

Around 3:30 p.m. on May 14, 2013, Jessica Root, age 18 of Dittmer, Missouri, was driving a 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio east on Highway H. Matthew A. Root, age 19 of Dittmer, Missouri, was the only passenger.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred about 0.1 mile west of Highway WW when the Volkswagen exited the right side of the roadway and the front of the vehicle struck a driveway. The impact caused the vehicle to become airborne and overturn before the top of the vehicle struck a tree.

Jessica Root was taken to Mercy Creve Coeur by Survival Flight with serious injuries. Matthew A. Root was taken to Mercy Creve Coeur by Air Evacuation with serious injuries. Both Jessica and Matthew were reported to be wearing their seat belts.

Jessica Root's 1999 Volkswagen Cabrio received total damages and was towed to Elliot Motors.

This accident was investigated by Trooper D. R. Thompson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C.

READ REPORT

*Pictures used in blogs on this website are not the actual photos from the crash or incident described in the content of the blog.

The A.W. Smith Law Firm in Columbia handles auto crash and wrongful death cases all over the State of Missouri. If you have questions about how to choose a law firm that is equipped to handle your auto crash or wrongful death case, please contact us today at 573-777-3333 or visit our website at www.awsmithlaw.com. The A.W. Smith Law Firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases.

In Fairmont City, a Missouri man has been charged with first-degree murder due to a high-speed crash that killed an 18-year-old woman.

Authorities say Donald Joseph Friese, age 27, intentionally caused a two-vehicle crash on Collinsville Road early on the morning of April 29 after an earlier drug-related altercation.

On April 29, 2013 at about 4:00 a.m., police records indicate that a disturbance in the 8500 block of Collinsville Road in the State Park Community involved three vehicles pursuing each other after a scuffle took place in the parking lot of Rural King in Collinsville.

The vehicles were speeding west on Collinsville Road, one behind the other. As the drivers tried to round a curve, both vehicles overturned several times into a ditch on the right side of the road in the 4700 block of Collinsville Road.

Ferrarie-Troisi, age 18, of Caseyville, was killed when the car from which she was ejected rolled over on top of her. Four others were taken to hospitals with injuries, but all have been released.

Donald Joseph Friese was charged Wednesday in St. Clair County, authorities said. Bail was set at $1 million, but Friese was in custody in Jennings on unrelated federal charges connected to his failure to complete his obligation to remain at a halfway house.

READ ARTICLE

Continue reading "Driver Intentionally Causes Fatality Crash" »

Lincoln County - One driver dies after t-bone collision early Monday afternoon.

On May 13, 2013, Mary D. Killion, age 55 of Moscow Mills, was driving a 2003 Buick Lesabre eastbound on Missouri Route 47. Kreig R. Ramsour, age 43 of Winfield, was operating a 1998 Kenworth tractor trailer also heading eastbound on Missouri Route 47.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Mary D. Killion began to slow down to make a left hand turn onto North Ethlyn Road. The accident occurred when Kreig R. Ramsour steered to the left to avoid striking Killion's vehicle; Killion turned left into the path of the tractor trailer. Both vehicles traveled off the left side of the roadway. The collision caused Ramsour's vehicle to overturn.

Mary D. Killion was pronounced dead at the scene by Lincoln County Coroner Lisa Sitler at 1:57 p.m. and was taken to Kemper-Marsh-Millard Funeral Home. Kreig R. Ramsour did not sustain any injuries. Both drivers were reported wearing their seat belts.

Kreig R. Ramsour's 1998 Kenworth tractor trailer received moderate damage and was towed by Skyline Trucking. Mary D. Killion's 2003 Buick Lesabre received total damage and was towed by Kinion's Towing.

This accident was investigated by Trooper R. A. Bronson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C and was assisted by Trooper J. R. Henry, Sergeant B. D. Moore, and Chief Visionary Officer R. L. Fry.

READ REPORT

*Pictures used in blogs on this website are not the actual photos from the crash or incident described in the content of the blog.

The A.W. Smith Law Firm in Columbia handles auto crash and wrongful death cases all over the State of Missouri. If you have questions about how to choose a law firm that is equipped to handle your auto crash or wrongful death case, please contact us today at 573-777-3333 or visit our website at www.awsmithlaw.com. The A.W. Smith Law Firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases.

Pulaski County - One man is dead and a second man is in serious condition after a head-on collision Saturday morning.

On April 11, 2013, Darriel McDaniels, age 41 of Richland, MO, was operating a 1996 Buick Riviera in the eastbound direction on Highway AB. Samuel J. Wood, age 71 of Lebanon, MO was operating a 2013 Ford Escape in the westbound direction on Highway AB.

Around 11:10 a.m. on that said date, Darriel McDaniels was traveling eastbound in the westbound lane of traffic when he struck Samuel J. Wood head-on causing both vehicles to travel off the road.

Samuel J. Wood was pronounced dead at the scene by Pulaski County coroner Mikel Hartness and was taken to Waynesville Memorial Chapel. Darriel McDaniels was airlifted by Staff Air Ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, MO with serious injuries. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Darriel McDaniels was not wearing his seat belt.

Darriel McDaniels' 1996 Buick Riviera and Samuel J. Wood's 2013 Ford Escape both received total damages and were towed by Rothmunds Towing.

This accident was investigated by Trooper N. Smith of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop I and was assisted by Trooper R. Tyler, Trooper J. Ice, Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Team #3, and the Hazelgreen Fire Department. This is Troop I's 6th fatality for 2013.

READ ARTICLE

READ REPORT

*Pictures used in blogs on this website are not the actual photos from the crash or incident described in the content of the blog.

The A.W. Smith Law Firm in Columbia handles auto crash and wrongful death cases all over the State of Missouri. If you have questions about how to choose a law firm that is equipped to handle your auto crash or wrongful death case, please contact us today at 573-777-3333 or visit our website at www.awsmithlaw.com. The A.W. Smith Law Firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases.

Buchanan County - Two people are dead and nine are injured in a four vehicle crash on I-29 early Thursday morning.

On Thursday, April 9, 2013, Phun Bik, age 42 of Kansas City, MO, was operating a 1998 For Econoline 530 van. Thuam Z. Cin, age 35 of Kansas City, Myint Hte Hte, age 30 of Kansas City, Cung M. Lian, age 38 of Kansas City, Saw Kaw Lo, age 24 of Kansas City, Aung Par, age 31 of Kansas City, Dawt H. Sung, age 24 of Kansas City, Rose Mery R. Thlia, age 36 of Kansas City, Mang L. Za-Chum, age 42 of Kansas City, and Bawi Zi, age 42 of Kansas City were occupants of Bik's vehicle. Lakisha L. Coleman, age 32 of Bellvue, NE, was operating a 2011 Lexus ES 350. Oscar G. Munoz, age 42 of San Benito, TX, was operating a 2011 Peterbilt Tractor Trailer. Nevail W. Mitchel was operating a 2013 Nissan Versa.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 4:45 a.m. when Bik attempted to avoid striking Munoz, who was stopped due to a traffic accident north of the location, by swerving to the right. Bik traveled north on the center-line before the front of his van sideswiped the rear driver side of Coleman's Lexus. Bik's vehicle continued to travel northbound before striking the towed unit of Munoz's tractor trailer on the driver's side of Bik's van. Debris following the collision of the van and the tractor trailer then hit Mitchel's Nissan Versa on the rear driver side.

Phun Bik and Rose Mery R. Thlia were pronounced dead at the scene by coroner Richard Shelton and transported to Meierhoffer Funeral Home. Thuam Z. Cin, Myint Hte Hte, Cung M. Lian, Aung Par, Dawt H. Sung, Mang L. Za-Chum, and Bawi Zi were transported by Heartland Ambulance to Heartland Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. Saw Kaw Lo was transported by Heartland Ambulance to Heartland Regional Medical Center with moderate injuries. Lakisha L. Coleman was transported by West Platte Ambulance to Heartland Regional Medical Center with minor injuries.

Phun Bik's 1998 Ford Econonline 350 van received total damages and was towed from the scene by R & W Towing. Lakisha L. Coleman's 2011 Lexus ES 350 received moderate damages and was towed by Collision Repair. Oscar G. Munoz's 2011 Peterbilt Tractor Trailer received moderate damages and was driven from the scene. Nevail W. Mitchell's 2013 Nissan Versa received minor damages and was driven from the scene.

This accident was investigated by Corporal J E. Peabody, Crash Team Sergeant H. Sears, and Sergeant G. Billings of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop H. St. Joseph Police and Fire Department, Agency Fire, Buchanan County Fire, and MODOT assisted the investigation. This is Troop H's 9th and 10th fatalities for 2013.

READ REPORT

*Pictures used in blogs on this website are not the actual photos from the crash or incident described in the content of the blog.

The A.W. Smith Law Firm in Columbia handles auto crash and wrongful death cases all over the State of Missouri. If you have questions about how to choose a law firm that is equipped to handle your auto crash or wrongful death case, please contact us today at 573-777-3333 or visit our website at www.awsmithlaw.com. The A.W. Smith Law Firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases.

Greene County - Two passengers of a car that went are seriously injured early Monday morning.

On May 6, 2013 Matthew R. Hogue, age 20 of Springfield, MO, was operating a brown 2012 Kia Rio SUV westbound on farm road 132. Kenid D. Highland, age 29 of Springfield, MO and Joseph J. Sims, age 21 of Springfield, MO were Hogue's only passengers.

The accident occurred around 1:40 a.m. at that said date, when Hogue lost control of the Kia Rio at the crest of a hill causing him to exit the left side of the roadway. The vehicle then went airborne before it struck the ground and overturned.

Matthew R. Hogue was taken by ambulance to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO with minor injuries. Kendi D. Highland was pronounced dead at 1:46 a.m. by David Brown, medical examiner, and was taken to Springfield Mortuary. Joseph J. Sims was taken by ambulance to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, MO with serious injuries.

Hogue's 2012 Kia Rio SUV received total damages and was towed by All Night Towing of Springfield, MO.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, all three occupants of the vehicle were wearing their seat-belts.

READ REPORT

*Pictures used in blogs on this website are not the actual photos from the crash or incident described in the content of the blog.

The A.W. Smith Law Firm in Columbia handles auto crash and wrongful death cases all over the State of Missouri. If you have questions about how to choose a law firm that is equipped to handle your auto crash or wrongful death case, please contact us today at 573-777-3333 or visit our website at www.awsmithlaw.com. The A.W. Smith Law Firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases.

Ray County - A teenage girl died Tuesday evening after wrecking a four-wheeler.

On May 7, 2013, Marlene J. Eicher, age 14 of Rose Hill, Virginia, was operating a 2011 Arctic Cat on East 188th Street about 0.4 miles east of Dockery Road.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Marlene J. Eicher lost control of the Arctic Cat and traveled off the roadway and through a fence causing the four-wheeler to overturn ejecting Eicher. The Arctic Cat then came to rest on top of Eicher.

Marlene J. Eicher was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Pat Slusher at 9:23 p.m. and was taken to Thurman Funeral Home. She was not wearing a safety device.

This accident was investigated by Trooper C. D. Moeller of the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop A and was assisted by Ray County Sheriff's Department. This is Troop A's
13th fatality for 2013.

READ REPORT

*Pictures used in blogs on this website are not the actual photos from the crash or incident described in the content of the blog.

The A.W. Smith Law Firm in Columbia handles auto crash and wrongful death cases all over the State of Missouri. If you have questions about how to choose a law firm that is equipped to handle your auto crash or wrongful death case, please contact us today at 573-777-3333 or visit our website at www.awsmithlaw.com. The A.W. Smith Law Firm has recovered millions in settlements and verdicts in serious injury and wrongful death cases.