DURHAM— Jermaine Clements, age 53, of Durham, died Wednesday morning after a crash involving a stolen vehicle on U.S. 15-501.
Durham police reported the incident began when officers responded to a car break-in around 5:35 a.m. on Mount Mariah Road. A 2020 Kia Soul, confirmed as stolen, fled when officers attempted a traffic stop. Seconds later, the vehicle ran a red light at S.W. Durham Drive and hit a 2021 Toyota Highlander.
Clements, a passenger in the Toyota, was transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. The driver of the Toyota sustained minor injuries. Three occupants of the Kia were hospitalized, one with life-threatening injuries.
Authorities confirmed charges related to the crash are pending.
Jermaine Clements killed in Durham traffic accident
CRASH INVESTIGATION
“It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process,” said Candice Bond, a managing partner with Bond Legal.
She noted that, in cases such as this, an independent investigation is crucial to preserve evidence.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond. “A lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ 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 Jermaine Clements could pursue a wrongful death claim. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand the hardships that families face, and it’s crucial to protect their rights. A wrongful death lawyer will keep abreast of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are safeguarded.”
If you or a family member have been involved in a situation similar to this article and would like to speak to our national legal analyst Candice Bond free of charge, please use the contact information found on this page
(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).