While driving on Pennsylvania roads, drivers must be vigilant and keep a proper lookout for approaching vehicles. Failure to do this can have devastating consequences. Two drivers lost their lives in a serious car accident that occurred in Summit Township on Route 79. The Pennsylvania State Police reported that the crash occurred on a recent Monday morning.
According to a preliminary accident report, a 39-year-old driver from another state was eastbound in an SUV when she veered into the westbound lane while trying to pass another car. This caused a head-on collision with a westbound vehicle that was driven by a 54-year-old man from Erie. This man suffered fatal injuries, dying at the scene.
It was reported that both cars were occupied by only the drivers, and witnesses apparently saw the SUV driver exiting her vehicle and walking in the direction of a nearby trailer park. On the way to the park is a pond, and the SUV driver’s body was discovered in that pond. However, the cause of her death is yet to be determined and remains under investigation. Toxicology reports are reportedly pending.
Whenever a life is lost in a serious car accident that resulted from the negligence of another party, the surviving family members are entitled to pursue financial relief. A wrongful death claim may be filed in a Pennsylvania civil court. However, a judge will not enter a monetary judgment in a wrongful death claim prior to the establishment of negligence and financial liability. If a claim is successfully presented, the court may award restitution for end-of-life expenses and other documented losses.
Source: buffalonews.com, “Buffalo woman is one of two victims of fatal head-on crash near Erie, Pa.“, Nov. 6, 2015