In a collision between a motor vehicle and a pedestrian, the pedestrian will almost always get the worst of it. When the motor vehicle is a large commercial truck, the pedestrian is often seriously injured or killed. A recent Pennsylvania truck crash serves as a tragic reminder.
Recently a woman was killed in Allentown in a pedestrian accident that involved an ice cream truck. According to initial reports, the accident occurred around 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of Tilghman Street and 18th Street. It is not clear at this time how the box truck used to deliver ice cream collided with the 42-year-old woman, but authorities are continuing their investigation of the fatal crash.
A pedestrian that is struck and killed by a truck could have a wrongful death claim filed on their behalf by their loved ones if there is evidence that negligence on the part of the truck driver was a direct cause of the accident. Negligence is a legal term that means the failure to act with the level of care a reasonable person would exercise in the same circumstances. If successful, a wrongful death suit could result in compensation that would go towards the damages and costs associated with the accident. In most cases, the award would cover medical bills, funeral costs, loss of support and loss of companionship.
A tragic accident usually leaves many unanswered questions. Those affected by a fatal pedestrian accident should understand their rights and options. This might include further investigation, filing claims and seeing out the guidance of an experienced wrongful death attorney.
Source: Abc 7 News, “Woman struck, killed by ice cream delivery truck in Allentown,” Sep. 05, 2013