OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla.— A fatal accident on April 22 involving a UTV claimed the life of a 10-year-old boy from Miami.
Authorities identified the victim as Easton Freeman, who was struck along South 490 Road just north of East 30 Road. Emergency responders airlifted him to a Tulsa hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The UTV driver and three passengers, all uninjured, remained at the scene. Officials have not released further information about their identities.
A fundraiser organized by the victim’s family is helping cover funeral expenses.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is leading the investigation.
Easton Freeman tragically killed in Ottawa County UTV accident
Incident Location
UTV ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
According to Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics, about 568 adults and 144 children die each year in ATV and UTV crashes, and many more are injured.
Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Accident Injury News, said in such cases, it is imperative to have an independent investigation conducted sooner than later to preserve any evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond.
“Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Easton Freeman 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,” Bond added.
“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.”
Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in fatal bicycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).