Going on a family vacation during Spring Break can include some of a child's fondest memories. Of course, not everything goes according to plan while on vacation, but one family's trip ended negatively when they became involved in a multi-vehicle accident on North Carolina roads. Among the injured is a 6-year-old girl, who is now in critical condition.

A family of seven was traveling in a van when they were unexpectedly struck by a boat and the corresponding trailer emerging from the oncoming lane. After the trailer hit this family's vehicle, it continued to hit another van. A total of nine people were injured in the three-vehicle accident, but all have been released with the exception of the young girl. She is still receiving treatment at a North Carolina medical facility.

According to preliminary police reports, the boat and trailer broke loose from a vehicle traveling down the road. Authorities believe the trailer may not have been adequately "secured to the towing vehicle." Currently, the accident is still being investigated, so no charges have been filed yet.

Nothing can adequately describe the anxiety the 6-year-old girl's parents and family members must be feeling while they wait for her condition to improve. The hope is that the girl will recover fully from the medical trauma.

Not only do motorists have responsibility to operate their vehicles with caution, but they also have an obligation to make sure their vehicle and any attached trailers or cargo are safe to travel the roads. Had the boat's owner done a better job checking the security of the trailer's connection to the vehicle, this accident may have been avoided. If the police investigation determines that the driver did not properly secure the boat and trailer, that individual could be held accountable in criminal and civil court for their negligence leading to the injuries.

Source: Fox 28 News, "Accident Critically Injures 6 Year Old Canton Girl," April 11, 2012