LINN COUNTY, Kan. — Four Texas residents tragically died Feb. 20 when the pickup truck they were traveling in hit an ice patch on U.S. Highway 69 and rolled over.
The victims have been identified as Larry Klingensmith, 66; Kimberly Klingensmith, 65; Karly Klingensmith, 32; and Nicolas Klingensmith, 36. All are residents of Winnsboro, Texas, and are reportedly related.
The Kansas Highway Patrol said Larry Klingensmith was driving a 2019 Dodge Ram on Hwy 69 when the vehicle hit ice and veered into a ditch along the highway, about 75 miles south of Kansas City. The truck then rolled over twice before coming to rest upside down in a flooded wildlife area, where it was submerged in water.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing. No additional information was immediately available.
Commentary on the fatal rollover accident that claimed the lives of four Texans
I am deeply saddened to learn of this tragic rollover accident that claimed the lives of four Texans. The Klingensmith family is undoubtedly grieving in the wake of their tragic loss and searching for answers. I pray that this family may find peace as they move forward.
The report provides that this accident was caused by ice on the roads. While I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of this report, it is important to realize that the focus of this accident is not the cause of the accident but the cause of the injury. When a driver hits black ice, control of the vehicle is lost, and the occupants must rely on the vehicle’s safety features to prevent the accident from occurring and limit any potential harm if the accident does occur. These safety features include the vehicle’s restraint system, roof strength, and airbags. Failure in any one of these features will significantly enhance the risk of injury or death of the vehicle’s occupants.
When a vehicle involved in a rollover accident fails to protect a single occupant, serious questions are raised concerning the adequacy of the vehicle’s safety features. Simply put, we need to know if Dodge manufactured this truck to withstand the force of this accident. If Dodge failed to design this truck to protect occupants involved in a rollover accident, the Klingensmith family deserves answers.
Disclaimer: Our firm uses this blog to start important conversations about consumers’ safety. If these resources are found to be offensive or include any false information, we invite you to contact The Ammons Law Firm so we can correct the issue. This content should not be construed as legal counsel or advice.
