A fatal car accident is a devastating event for a family. The loss of a child takes an extreme emotional toll on parents, as well as a financial one due to funeral and burial expenses. Even more tragic is an accident that physically injures an entire family, as was the case in a Salt Lake City accident on Christmas Eve.

A family of four was traveling in their station wagon about 6 p.m. that evening when an oncoming SUV hopped the median and collided head-on with their car. The station wagon caught fire after the impact. The entire family was rushed to a hospital, where the couple's 18-month-old son died in his parents' arms after it became clear that his injuries were too severe for him to recover.

The boy's parents and 3-year-old brother remained in the hospital a few more days. The driver of the SUV also suffered serious injuries. It's still unclear what caused him to crash into the family's car, and officials said it remains unknown whether he'll face criminal charges in connection with the accident.

Meanwhile, the family is still reeling from the accident -- physically, emotionally and financially. They've set up a Paypal account to help with their medical expenses, as well as a bank account in their deceased son's name and another for the entire family.

Whether or not the driver who caused the crash is convicted of a crime, the family could choose to file a lawsuit for wrongful death and personal injury to compensate for their own medical expenses, as well as the costs associated with the death of their son.

Source: Deseret News, "Boy, 3, released from hospital after crash that killed brother," Dec. 27, 2011