The dangers of drinking and driving are well publicized in an attempt to prevent people from making the decision to drive under the influence. Despite these efforts, people in Pennsylvania and across the country continue to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. Unfortunately, police believe that such a choice recently resulted in a young woman’s death — an incident that could prompt her surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
The accident reportedly happened during the early morning hours of a day in mid-June. According to reports, a 28-year-old man was driving on Interstate 83. Police say that the vehicle struck a concrete barrier before going through an embankment and hitting several trees. The car reportedly flipped.
Unfortunately, a 21-year-old female passenger in the vehicle is said to have died as a result of injures suffered in the accident. Police believe that the driver attempted to flee the vehicle, which sustained significant damage, but he was later discovered. He was transported to the hospital for treatment of injuries described as serious.
Though the man is accused of homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence, surviving family members of the young victim could separately choose to file a wrongful death lawsuit. While a successfully presented lawsuit will likely do little to reduce their grief over the unexpected, apparently preventable loss, such an outcome can ensure that they are able to meet their financial obligations as they grieve for the loss of their family member. An attorney with experience with personal injury cases in Pennsylvania can help them fully understand their options.