Uninsured Driver Causes Head-on Collision, Injures Winfield Family of Five

Missouri State Highway Patrol responded Wednesday morning to a 2-vehicle crash on Missouri Route 47 in Lincoln County. 17-year-old Devan Cooksy was driving his uninsured vehicle west on Missouri 47 when he allegedly crossed the center line and struck an eastbound vehicle being driven by 40-year-old Tracey Swaringen. Tracey was traveling with passengers Andrea Swaringen (13), Deanne Swaringen (16), Hannah Swaringen (9), and Kaitlyn Swaringen (16). All involved individuals are Winfield, Missouri residents.

All 6 individuals suffered from immediate injury as a result of the forceful head-on collision. Drivers Devan Cooksy and Tracey Swaringen were both flown by emergency helicopter to St. Joseph Hospital West in Lake St. Louis. The 4 minor Swaringen passengers were all rushed to Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. The projected condition of each driver and occupant is unknown at this time. Both vehicles involved sustained total damage and were towed from the scene.

This crash involves a young, potentially inexperienced driver who was negligent in operating her vehicle, therefore causing pain and suffering to herself and 5 other individuals, including young children. Mr. Cooksy was unable to provide insurance information at the scene of the crash. A Winfield car accident lawyer will work with the Highway Patrol to further this investigation, discovering if Mr. Cooksy has applicable automobile insurance. If coverage is available, recovery for this family of 5 is assumed to be fairly simple. Fault is 100% clear in this crash. Any settlement involving a minor (under the age of 18) requires specific legal action, where representation of an attorney is necessary. Our attorneys handle many cases involving minors and work hard to properly ensure a settlement is in the best interest of an injured minor and his family, as well as his future.

If Mr. Cooksy does not carry automobile insurance for his vehicle, the claim for compensation becomes an uninsured motorist claim, essentially obtaining recovery from the innocent driver's insurance coverage and their own insurance company becomes a defendant in the case. Uninsured motorist coverage is not applicable in every claim. Our Missouri auto accident attorneys recommend that anyone involved in an auto accident with an uninsured motorist to seek legal advice for how best to proceed. In this particular crash, 4 minor children and 1 adult suffered from serious injury as a result of a careless driver. Compensation for injuries, bills, and expenses should be fairly given to each injured individual.

If you or someone you know has been injured by an uninsured motorist, our Missouri car accident attorneys are here to help you. Call to discuss details of your claim and how working together on pursuit of your claim will benefit your outcome.