At around 8 p.m. on Monday April 8, a head-on collision between a sedan and a minivan left several people injured, including one 2-year-old child. The car accident, which occurred on N.C. 268, is still under investigation by North Carolina authorities. No criminal charges have yet been laid relating to this crash.
Reports indicate that the sedan, driven by a North Carolina woman, abruptly crossed the center line into head-on traffic. The sedan collided with the minivan, driven by another North Carolina woman and carrying several children. Highway Patrol reports that all passengers were wearing safety belts appropriate to their ages, though it is unclear whether the restraints had been tightened to an appropriate level.
The 2-year-old was rushed directly to a local medical center in the immediate aftermath, while the two drivers and the rest of the children were taken to a different hospital. There is no word on the condition of any of the passengers, but so far none have succumbed to their injuries. Highway Patrol has reason to believe alcohol may have contributed to the crash, but their investigation is still underway and they have yet to press formal charges against any driver.
A car accident involving children always seems particularly serious, especially if alcohol is a factor. Police have not yet speculated on which driver they believe to have been under the influence, but in either case, should alcohol be proven to have contributed to the cause of the crash, the driver charged with impairment could face serious legal repercussions. The other driver and any injured passengers may also be able to pursue additional legal action under North Carolina personal injury laws, though the minors in question would require additional representation given their underage status.
Source: myfox8.com, “2-year-old among five injured in head-on crash in Wilkes County,” April 9, 2013
