Wrongful death lawsuit filed in relation to Pennsylvania accident

On behalf of Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C. posted in Car Accidents on Monday, November 17, 2014.

The widow of a 73-year-old man who died in a Great Bend traffic accident filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming that a 23-year-old man was at fault for the fatal crash and seeking unspecified damages. The suit was filed in Broome County on Sept. 24.

The fatal car accident reportedly occurred on Interstate 81 on May 10. The 73-year-old man had pulled over and exited his SUV to check the vehicle's tires when he was struck by a speeding car, according to the man's wife, who was a passenger in the SUV at the time of the incident. According to Pennsylvania police, the 23-year-old man was traveling at speeds of up to 80 mph and was driving on the highway's shoulder moments before the crash. Purportedly, he told police that he had been listening to music and singing along.

Besides the civil suit, the 23-year-old man is facing multiple criminal charges in connection with the May 10 incident, including homicide by vehicle while under the influence. The man admitted to smoking marijuana, but he told police that he had not done so on the day of the accident. However, authorities reported that the man's system still contained substantial remnants of the drug. The man remains in custody at the Susquehanna County jail.

Drivers whose reproachful actions lead to fatal accidents may be held accountable for the event twice, both criminally and in civil court. For, irrespective of the outcome of the criminal proceedings held against an allegedly at-fault driver, certain family members of the victim of the fatal accident may pursue civil action. In specific, they may file, with the guidance of an attorney, a wrongful death lawsuit in connection to the crash. This type of suit may seek compensation for the family's medical bills, funeral expenses and lost income associated with the wrongful death of their loved one.