A 20-year-old East Carolina University student was killed in a car crash on Charles Boulevard in Greenville, N.C. The victim was a passenger in a Nissan Altima that crossed the center line of the road and slammed into an oncoming Chevy Silverado.
The victim was transferred to Vidant Medical Center, where he later died. The driver of the Nissan, a 20-year-old Fayetteville woman who also attends ECU, was taken to the hospital, where she remains in fair condition. The occupants of the Silverado were also transferred to Vidant, where they were both treated for injuries and released.
According to details of the fatal crash released by law enforcement, the Nissan was traveling in the outside northbound lane, when the vehicle veered from the outside lane into the inside lane and then over into the center turn lane. At this point, witnesses say the vehicle was sideways. The car continued to travel and moved into the inside southbound lane, then the outside lane, where it smashed into the Silverado.
The driver of the Silverado reported that the Nissan appeared in front of his vehicle “out of nowhere” and he slammed on his brakes, but still collided with the Nissan. Police report the pickup was traveling at approximately 45 mph, which is the posted speed limit. They did not say how fast the Nissan was traveling.
Police are still investigating the fatal crash and have not filed any charges as of this writing.
According to a study performed by the Auto Insurance Center, one of the most common causes of fatal car accidents is failure of the driver to stay in his or her proper lane. The higher the speed, the more dangerous it can be.
If you have lost a family member in a fatal car crash, contact an experienced North Carolina wrongful death attorney today. Although nothing can ever replace your family member, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against those responsible for your loved one’s death.
Our Carolina personal injury law firm also offers a free wrongful death guide for families who have lost a loved one in an accident. The guide covers topics such as the statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim, what types of damages can be pursued, and who can be appointed as personal representative.