Driving a vehicle after consuming alcohol is never a good idea. Intoxicated drivers can easily cause car accidents which injure themselves and others on or near the road. Sadly, many of these injuries can be severe and even result in fatalities. One recent Pennsylvania accident involving intoxication left one woman dead and three others injured.
The incident occurred on a local road late in the evening. According to authorities, a young man driving a car crossed the center line, striking a pickup truck. Investigators confirmed that the young man had been drinking prior to the crash, which resulted in him losing control of his vehicle. Reports did not indicate whether any of the victims were wearing seat belts.
The driver of the car that caused the collision as well as a 14-year-old passenger were both seriously injured and flown to local hospitals. A second passenger in the vehicle succumbed to her injuries and died at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck suffered leg injuries and was taken in for treatment via ambulance.
Police did not comment on any possible criminal charges the allegedly intoxicated driver may face. However, due to the apparent negligence of the driver believed responsible, the victims — including the surviving family of the deceased victim — have the right to file personal injury claims or wrongful death claims, as appropriate. These claims could provide monetary damages to assist in paying medical bills, funeral costs or other expenses related to the accident. Pennsylvania residents who have been involved in car accidents may consider consulting an experienced personal injury attorney to advise them on filing a claim in civil court.
Source: wtae.com, “Police: Alcohol involved in Washington County crash that killed 20-year-old woman and injured others“, Nick Matoney, March 9, 2017