Iowa man identified after being killed by driver of stolen car

Iowa City, IA – There were news reports that a victim was identified after dying in an accident that involved a stolen car in Iowa [1].

Victim killed by driver of stolen car identified by Iowa Police

Urbandale, Iowa, faced a tragic incident as a two-car collision claimed the life of a 22-year-old individual, later identified as Jeffrey Lionel Smith Jr. The accident occurred in the early hours of Friday near NW 86th and Colby Parkway. Both vehicles involved were reported stolen, as confirmed by the Urbandale Police Department.

According to reports, the events leading to the crash unfolded when a car, reported stolen around 3:30 a.m., was spotted traveling south in the 4300 block of 86th Street. Another vehicle appeared nearby, prompting both to accelerate away from an approaching officer. Moments later, the stolen car collided with the second vehicle a few blocks away.

The driver of the stolen car, Sheldon Ballentine, 18, from Des Moines, was apprehended at the scene and charged with several offenses, including theft, homicide by motor vehicle, felony eluding, possession of a controlled substance, and traffic violations. Notably, it was later revealed that the car Smith was driving had also been stolen, this time from West Des Moines.

Authorities are yet to establish any connection between Ballentine and Smith, leaving unanswered questions about their relationship or potential motives. The investigation is ongoing, with the assistance of the Iowa State Patrol to determine the exact circumstances leading to the fatal collision.

The incident prompted authorities to close off sections of NW 86th Street and Colby Parkway, as well as NW 86th and Douglas Avenue, while investigators combed through the scene for evidence. The tragic outcome underscores the dangers associated with reckless driving and the ramifications of vehicle theft.

Sgt. Chad Underwood of the Urbandale Police Department emphasized their commitment to unraveling the details of the crash, expressing gratitude for the support from the Iowa State Patrol in conducting a thorough investigation. As the community mourns the loss of Jeffrey Lionel Smith Jr., the incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance against criminal activities such as car theft.

Can the driver of a stolen car be sued for causing an accident in Iowa?

In Iowa, the legal ramifications surrounding accidents involving stolen vehicles can be complex and may vary depending on the circumstances of the incident. Generally, the driver of a stolen car can face both criminal charges and civil liability for damages resulting from the accident.

From a criminal standpoint, the individual driving a stolen vehicle can be held accountable for their actions. In cases where the stolen vehicle is involved in an accident causing injury or property damage, the driver may face charges such as theft, reckless driving, vehicular manslaughter, or other relevant offenses. These criminal charges are aimed at punishing the offender for their illegal actions and ensuring public safety.

On the civil front, individuals who suffer injuries or property damage in accidents involving stolen vehicles may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. While the driver of the stolen vehicle may not own the car, they can still be held liable for the harm they cause while operating it. However, determining liability in such cases can be complex and may involve various factors, including:

Negligence: Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the driver of the stolen car acted negligently, meaning they breached their duty of care by driving recklessly or disregarding traffic laws, which directly led to the accident.
Proximate Cause: The plaintiff must establish a direct causal link between the defendant’s actions (driving the stolen vehicle) and the resulting injuries or damages.
Comparative Fault: Iowa follows a modified comparative fault system, which means that if the plaintiff shares some degree of fault for the accident, their recovery may be reduced proportionally. However, if the plaintiff is found to be more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages altogether.
Insurance Coverage: In some cases, the insurance policies of the stolen vehicle owner or the victim may provide coverage for damages resulting from the accident. However, insurance companies may contest liability or coverage depending on the specific circumstances.

Ultimately, whether the driver of a stolen car can be sued for causing an accident in Iowa depends on the evidence gathered, applicable laws, and the outcome of legal proceedings. Victims of such accidents are advised to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to understand their rights and explore their options for seeking compensation.

Advice after a truck accident in Iowa

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices is a firm that handles accident and personal injury cases for clients throughout the state of Iowa.

USAttorneys.com is available to provide legal referrals to anyone who calls 800-672-3103 for assistance.

Firm contact info:

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices

1921 51st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-2400

319-393-1020

www.eellsandtronvold.com

Sources:

https://www.weareiowa.com/article/traffic/car-crash-urbandale-one-person-dead-rollover-friday-iowa-breaking-news-crashes/524-29fd609d-5524-44e5-91e0-d2ee299531cf