Traveling at night can be dangerous for any driver. Whether it is due to fatigue, bad night vision or limited lighting, some things can go unnoticed on the roadway by drivers during nighttime hours. Although traffic is often reduced at night, objects, animals and pedestrians may go undetected while driving at night. These hazards can result in a fatal accident, which can affect several people.
At around 12:15 a.m., a vehicle on a suburban Philadelphia road recently struck two women. The women were walking northbound on Hatboro Road. When emergency crews arrived at the scene, one of the women was pronounced dead. The other woman was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
According to preliminary reports, the driver of the vehicle involved in the pedestrian accident stopped at the scene of the accident and cooperated with authorities. No citations have been issued at this time and the accident remains under investigation.
In a situation like this, the cause of the accident needs to be determined. This could reveal whether the driver was negligent or not. The pedestrians could have contributed to the cause of the accident, which is referred to as contributory negligence, a legal concept that can limit any cause of action. If a driver is found to be fully or even partially negligent, an injured party may be able to file a personal injury claim and the loved ones of a deceased accident victim may be eligible to file a wrongful death suit. Either may result in compensation to cover expenses such as medical bills, funeral costs, damages and pain and suffering.
A fatal accident can be a tragic and life-changing event. The loved ones of the deceased might endure financial burden in addition to the emotional distress. Compensation can not only alleviate the financial hardships, but also can assist them with the coping process.
Source: In York, “Vehicle strikes 2 Pa. pedestrians, killing 1,” Aug. 19, 2013