Pittsburgh area woman succumbed to injuries after she was hit by a vehicle.

Pennsylvania – February 20, 2023

A Pittsburgh area woman was hit by a vehicle in the Squirrel Hill area. Allegheny County dispatchers sent first responders to the Wilkins Avenue and Beechwood Boulevard intersection in Squirrel Hill where they found a woman suffering from multiple injuries after being hit by a vehicle. She was transported to the hospital for treatment and listed in critical condition until she succumbed to those injuries on. Surviving loved ones and family members may have a strong case for economic recovery to address any physical injury up to the time of death, and for wrongful death losses they have suffered. Car accidents often happen because one of the parties in an accident was acting carelessly or recklessly and a driver may face criminal charges such as vehicular manslaughter if fatal injury is a result of the accident. The decision for criminal charges usually weighs upon the type of activities that may have led to the accident such as speeding, reckless disregard to driving laws, distracted driving, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. When a loved one suffers fatal injury in a motor vehicle accident, surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit. A wrongful death lawyer will review a case to determine who may have had legal liability for the loss of life suffered and a team of experts will investigate the accident to determine if there are more than one party responsible for an accident.

Insurance laws.

The State of Pennsylvania uses both a “no-fault” system and a 3rd party liability system. Drivers also have the right to circumvent Pennsylvania’s no-fault law and proceed directly against the at-fault driver under certain circumstances that result in serious injury. Death benefits as part of a no-fault auto insurance coverage may compensate families or loved ones after fatal loss occurs in a vehicle accident, and families should speak to a lawyer about this.

Wrongful death damages.

Wrongful death damage compensation typically includes medical expenses of the injured party up until the time of death. Additional expenses related to the loss of life may include funeral and burial costs, pain and suffering before death, loss of income for survivors, loss of services such as childcare, cooking, caring for dependents, home maintenance, or other services that will now have to be performed by someone that is hired which can be costly. In addition to those damages, the loss of companionship, loss of guidance and loss of consortium may be assessed in the valuation of an award. Compensation for property damage, wrongful death, or injuries resulting from a car accident is surviving loved ones reach, but actions must be initiated within the two-year statute of limitations.

Seek legal counsel.

Surviving loved ones who have experienced harms from the death of a loved one in a Pittsburgh car accident should contact an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Scanlon & Wojton for assistance with an insurance or legal claim. They can help navigate communication with the insurance company of the at fault driver or initiate a criminal or civil legal case when it is warranted.

Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law

The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Second Floor
Pittsburgh, Pa 15219

Phone: (412) 918-1241

Fax: (412) 235-7275

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