All drivers know they are responsible for obeying all traffic signs while they are behind the wheel, in addition to paying close attention to their surroundings at every moment. Drivers must focus on numerous things to keep everyone safe — themselves, their passengers, people in other vehicles and even bicyclists and pedestrians in their path. When a driver misses a traffic sign, whether due to distraction, reckless driving or simply poor driving skills, the consequences can be severe. In a recent example, a Pennsylvania woman was killed when a driver failed to stop at a stop sign, and her family likely has grounds to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Driver runs through stop sign
The fatal crash happened very early one morning. According to a police report, a man drove his vehicle through a stop sign without stopping at the intersection where General Potter Highway meets Mountain Back Road in Potter Township. His vehicle hit the side of a tractor-trailer traveling through the intersection. A 20-year-old Boalsburg woman in one of the tractor-trailer’s rear seats was ejected from the vehicle. Sadly, she died at the scene from head trauma caused by the crash.
Crash still under investigation
Reportedly, the 18-year-old driver who ran the red light was treated at a local medical center for minor injuries. Emergency responders checked his front-seat passenger, a 21-year-old woman, for injuries, but apparently, she refused further treatment. The condition of the driver that was hit was not reported. State police at Rockview continue to investigate the incident.
Police are still examining evidence to help them determine the cause of this horrific crash, but it could very well have been a result of negligence and/or recklessness on the part of the driver who missed the stop sign. If so, the surviving family of the young woman who was killed have every right to consider pursuing legal recourse. An experienced Pennsylvania personal injury attorney can explain options available to them, including the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit. If successful, such a suit could help them recoup some of the monetary losses they are likely facing right now, as well as provide them some comfort during what must be an extremely difficult time.