Marcia Rowland, Bedford F. Rowland Death – Three people lost their lives and six others were injured Thursday morning in a nine-vehicle collision on Interstate 44 outside of Ninnekah in Grady County. According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the incident involving nine vehicles and sixteen occupants unfolded around 11:39 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-44.
Two of the victims, identified as 77-year-old Altus resident Bedford F. Rowland and 76-year-old Lawton resident Marcia O. Rowland, tragically died and the scene. One additional person involved in the crash died at the scene while six others were hospitalized with various injuries.
Additional details on the circumstances that led to the crash were not immediately known, as the incident remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 42,915 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2021, an increase of over 10 percent from 2020. “Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, a Managing Partner with Bond Legal.
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Bedford and Marcia Rowland could pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”