LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Gina Marie Artzer, a 54-year-old woman from Shawnee, Kansas, died Nov. 21 in a rollover accident on Interstate 15 that injured nine others.
At about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, the driver of a Ford Explorer traveling west on Charleston Boulevard ran a red light and collided with a Chevrolet Suburban exiting northbound I-15, according to a local news report. The impact caused the Suburban to roll several times and strike a light pole.
Artzer was seated on the right side of the Suburban’s middle row. She died at the scene of the accident. The driver of the Suburban and six other passengers had to be extricated from the wreckage and transported to University Medical Center.
The group was from a dance school in Kansas on a weekend excursion, according to a social media post by someone associated with those in the Suburban.
The driver of the Explorer, a male who has not been identified, and his female passenger, were transported to UMC Trauma.
Authorities have not released the identities of everyone involved in the crash, nor released any updates regarding their health.
An investigation into the accident is underway, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
COMMENTARY ON THE GINA MARIE ARTZER ACCIDENT IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
I was devastated to learn of the disastrous accident in Las Vegas that claimed the life of Ms. Artzer and sent nine other people to area hospitals with injuries. The driver of the Ford Explorer ran a red light and crashed into the Chevrolet Suburban, according to the news report. My deepest sympathies go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ms. Artzer, as well as my prayers for a full and speedy recovery for those injured.
This is a very complex situation, involving a fatality, multiple serious injuries, multiple vehicles, multiple states, and multiple laws, as well as a large volume of damages. An experienced team of professionals will be needed to execute this case judiciously and promptly.
Drivers have a duty of care to drive safely and responsibly so as not to cause injury to body or property of others. Drivers who fail to observe this duty are considered in breach and may be held liable for compensatory damages. Compensation may include bodily injury, mental and emotional harm, property damages, and monetary loss.
Running a red light is generally considered a breach of duty of care. However, some limitations do exist. Authorities have not released definitive details make determinations at this point. A thorough investigation must be conducted to establish culpability in this case.
According to a recent study, deaths as a result of running red lights have climbed to a 10-year high, nearly 1000 annually, or about two fatalities per day. Every driver has a duty of care to drive responsibly and ensure the safety of themselves and others. Avoid distracted and fatigued driving, as well as driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Our safety depends on it, especially during this high-traffic holiday season.
Disclaimer: All information contained within this post was compiled from public sources or constitutes the opinion of the author. Please inform us immediately if you identify any false or misleading information.