For Pennsylvania residents, the winter months mean brushing snow off their car, shoveling their sidewalks and additional traffic. Those from colder regions understand that driving in the snow means reducing speed, slowly applying their brakes, not using cruise control when snow and ice are present and even taking evasive action, if their vehicle hits ice and loses control. When a driver fails to take caution during dangerous weather, their lack of actions could be considered negligent and could result in a serious crash.
A tragic accident recently occurred in central Pennsylvania. At the snow-covered intersection of Steckbeck Street and Jonestown Road in Lebanon, a two-car collision occurred around 3:00 p.m. A 19-year-old woman involved in the crash was 9-months pregnant. Following the crash, she was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
According to reports, the woman did not survive the crash, but doctors were able to deliver her baby. Unfortunately, the baby’s current condition is not known at this time. The fatal motor vehicle accident is still under investigation.
If a driver is negligent and fails to uphold their duty of care to other drivers on the road, they could face civil liabilities. A wrongful death lawsuit could be filed against the liable driver. This could allow the loved ones of the deceased to receive compensation to cover expenses and damages associated with the accident.
A fatal accident is a traumatic experience for everyone involved. These events also affect their loved ones, which are often the ones stuck with any expenses associated with the accident. Filing for compensation could help alleviate these financial burdens and could also assist in the coping process.
Source: NBC 10 Philadelphia, “Baby Born After Crash That Killed Mom,” Dec. 16, 2013