Justin Smith, 27, was driving a Chevrolet Tahoe when a 1998 GMC Z-71 driven by Casey Wallace turned in front of Smith's SUV. The car crash killed Smith and severely injured Tristin Rollins, a passenger in Smith's vehicle, who was flown to University Medical Center in Jackson, MS.
The intersection is known as Laird's Crossing and is labeled as a dangerous intersection by local people. This is the second fatality at this intersection in two months according to the local sheriff. Melissa Hall was severely injured and Janice Allen was killed in the past at this intersection. He said there is a dip in the road coming from Natchez and it is hard to see from where the stop sings are located. Also, the evening sun blinds people when you stop and look west.
The local coroner said the only way to stop the fatalities is to install four-way stop signs. He said after four-way signs were installed at the intersection of Hwy. 84 and East Lincoln Road, they haven't had one fatal accident since the installation.
Who can make a claim against whom and why? Anyone hurt or killed in the Smith vehicle may make a claim against the at fault driver, Casey Wallace. Also, claims can be made against the insurance company for the Smith vehicle if Wallace did not have enough insurance to cover all of the damages. Also, claims could be made under the medical pay coverage under the Smith policy. Finally, Tristin Rollins may be able to make a claim against her mother's or father's car insurance for underinsured motorist benefits.
Information provided by Mississippi Accident Lawyer Paul Snow. We handle all type of accident cases all over MS, including Clarksdale, Ridgeland, Greenwood, Laurel and Starkville.
