In early November, Brenda Stephens was killed in a two-vehicle crash on routes 36 and 37 in Delaware County. An investigation into the accident has revealed that the crash may have been the result of a road rage incident.
Stephens was the passenger of a Ford Ranger driven by Richard C. Stephens Jr. Their truck was struck just before 1 p.m. by a Pontiac G6 driven by Andrew J. Miller. Both of the vehicles were headed westbound when the Pontiac veered into the trucks path. The truck struck a guardrail and flipped onto its roof while the Pontiac went into the median. Stephens was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The two drivers suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Several witnesses have claimed that intentional acts may have caused the car wreck. The State Highway Patrol is still working on reconstructing the crash and is continuing to interview these witnesses. Those involved in the crash knew each other, but the extent of their relationship has not yet been revealed.
It is rare for states to keep track of how many accidents and incidents are caused by road rage, but some studies estimate that approximately 1,500 people are injured or killed in road rage incidents each year. Road rage often leads to reckless driving such as speeding, tailgating and failing to yield.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident caused by a negligent driver, the victim may be entitled to compensation for damages they have suffered. The auto accident attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy offer free legal consultations and can help you determine what your legal options are if you have been injured in a car accident.