Can't defend it, but can explain it; Lawsuits. 

Unless it is fully and roundly determined that the person(s) in the accident well and truly were responsible for what happened, the lawsuits will take wing, and the road crews, city signage people, asphalt manufacturers, car manufacturers, highway design consultants, street maintenance, police, fire service, medical responders, insurance adjusters, and anyone else it's possible to lump in there will be sued for whatever fault can generate ma$$ ca$h for the 'pain an' sufferin' that will befall the aggrieved when their most innocent and pure relative is found deceased or severely injured. As it was surely not their fault.