Imagine being in a vehicle, when the driver is distracted by something, either a cell phone or observing something out the side window, causing the car to verve off the road. The results can be devastating. One Montana girl was cited late last week for careless driving and not wearing a seatbelt when she lost control of her truck in Billings, crashing it into a power pole and fence.

Both she and her passenger were thrown from the vehicle during the car accident, suffering minor injuries. The passenger was taken to a local hospital but was not listed on the patient roster the next day. Luckily the injuries sustained from the crash do not appear to be life threatening.

Although her injuries might have been minor, the passenger of the vehicle could still be entitled to damages to help pay for her medical bills, as a result of negligent driving. Since the car went airborne in during the crash, and seeing as two people were thrown from the vehicle, the accident could have had a much worse outcome.

Had anyone been killed in the accident, the driver’s reckless actions may have resulted in a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver. Knowing your rights is important if you are ever injured because of a careless driver. It is the responsibility of the driver to protect their passengers. Sometimes drivers think they are able to mutli-task, when driving truly requires your undivided attention to ensure the safety of all their passengers and other drivers on the road.

Source: Billings Gazette, “Woman injured in Wednesday crash in Shepherd,” Dec. 22, 2011