The trauma of losing a 16-year-old child cannot be imagined. When such tragedies result from car accidents that were caused by alleged drunk drivers, it will inevitably exacerbate the trauma. This is reported to have been the course of recent events that claimed the life of a Pennsylvania teenage pedestrian in an auto accident.
Pennsylvania State Police said the incident occurred in the early morning hours of a recent Saturday in Pine Township. Reportedly, the teen was walking home after attending an after-prom party. A 20-year-old driver of a Jeep was southbound on a local road when he veered off the road for reasons yet to be determined.
The Jeep struck the boy who was walking next to the road. The impact caused the teenager’s death, and the Indiana County Coroner cited blunt force trauma as the cause of his death. The driver of the vehicle reportedly failed to remain at the accident scene, but he was later located at his residence at which time he was taken into custody. According to the police report, the man was intoxicated. Charges are apparently pending further investigation.
While no amount of money can replace the life of a child, the teen’s surviving family members may find that financial relief can ease the burden of the expenses related to end-of-life arrangements and other losses. They may file a wrongful death claim in a Pennsylvania civil court. Negligence on the part of the alleged drunk driver who caused the fatal auto accident will have to be established to bring about the entry of a monetary judgment. Once the court has determined financial liability, it will adjudicate all documented claims for emotional damages and financial losses sustained.
Source: wearecentralpa.com, “Teen killed in crash“, Karina Cheung, May 14, 2016