Drivers who act negligently are a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. There are many different ways someone can be negligent while driving, including driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, texting while driving or being too tired to drive. These types of car accidents can be even more devastating knowing that they could have been easily prevented. Tragically, a young girl was recently killed by an allegedly negligent driver in Pennsylvania.
The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was walking home with her siblings at the time of the crash, which is said to have occurred at 8:10 p.m. Police stated that the driver involved was using his phone to text while driving. While on the phone, his car drifted onto the shoulder and struck the victim.
The young victim passed away from the injuries she suffered in the collision. The crash was determined to be accidental. However, due to his apparent criminal negligence, the driver will face charges. He is now facing one count of homicide by vehicle and one count of involuntary manslaughter.
Though the driver is facing criminal charges, the victim’s surviving family could still choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit against him in civil court. When this type of claim establishes negligence on behalf of a defendant, plaintiffs may then be entitled to receive monetary damages that can be used to help pay for medical bills, funeral costs and other related expenses. Any families who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents could contact experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorneys to receive more information and obtain assistance in filing such claims.
Source: mcall.com, “DA says driver of car that killed Palmer girl was texting, calls her death ‘preventable’“, Riley Yates, Nov. 28, 2017