Should municipality bear some responsibility for wrongful death near Pittsburgh?

July 3, 2022

Fatal injury was the result of a multi-vehicle collision between a car and a motorcycle near Pittsburgh.  The fatally injured victim was riding his motorcycle with his wife on Route 56 when a car crossing Route 56 crashed into them according to law enforcement officials.  Police and residents say there are many crashes occurring on Route 56 at the same intersection of Balcigar Road where this accident occurred.  Both victims were thrown from the bike and the male driver suffered fatal injury and his wife was taken to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in critical condition.  An estimated 20,160 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in the first half of 2021, up 18.4% over 2020. Surviving loved ones who may be devastated by an untimely loss may ask themselves “Where can I find attorneys near me?” when they need assistance recovering compensation to defray funeral and burial costs, as well as guidance to address anticipated negative changes to a family’s financial stability through personal injury litigation, or insurance compensation after a fatal crash.

Potential wrongful death action.

If members of the deceased entertain wrongful death legal action, there will be many factors that need to be investigated before litigation can go forward. If there were witnesses at the scene, they may need to be interviewed, and insurance responsibility must be determined for named parties. Surviving loved one and family members should contact an experienced Pittsburgh accident lawyer who can assist with the filing of a wrongful death claim against all responsible parties.

Fault determination and multiple parties.

Because Pennsylvania is a choice “no fault” state, in accordance with the type of coverages each driver has, fault may still have some bearing for claims of the parties involved. Determining the percentage of fault is a matter for those who have reviewed police reports, witness reports, vehicle and property damages, roadway marks and other factors present at the time of the accident.  The State of Pennsylvania uses both a “no-fault” system and a 3rd party liability system. Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault system, after a motor vehicle crash, a driver may turn to his or her own insurance company for compensation for injuries up to the personal injury protection, or “PIP”  limit regardless of fault. Drivers also have the right to circumvent Pennsylvania’s no-fault law and proceed directly against the at-fault driver under certain circumstances.

Loss compensation.

Compensation for any loss sustained from a motor vehicle accident, due to partial or full negligence of another party, is in a victim’s reach to assist in payment of the significant medical expenses, loss of wages, funeral expenses, or other life-altering events that can negatively affect an individual or surviving family’s livelihood in the case of wrongful death claims that may not be covered by insurance companies.  Legal counsel can advise if the municipality may be named as a negligent party in any litigation since the location of the accident has been known for multiple motor vehicle accidents.

Seek legal counsel.

If you or someone you love has been negatively affected by the death of a loved one caused by a motor vehicle accident in the Pittsburgh area, contact an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Scanlon & Wojton for direction.

Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law

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

Phone:  (412) 918-1241

Fax: (412) 235-7275

Sources:

1. https://www.wtae.com/article/man-killed-in-armstrong-county-crash-between-car-and-motorcycle-his-wife-remains-in-critical-condition/40493895#
2. https://www.penndot.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/Documents/2018_CFB_linked.pdf
3. https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM