Wrongful death case possible after Pittsburgh area hit-and-run

Accidents can happen at any time of the day or night. Some drivers might assume that less vigilance is needed in the early morning hours because of the assumption that fewer pedestrians are out. However, a recent accident in the Pittsburgh area underscores the importance of watching for pedestrians at all times. For the family of the victim of the accident, filing a wrongful death case may help them cope with the expenses stemming from their loved one’s death.

The accident happened in the early morning hours of day in February. Police claim that the 25-year-old driver of a sports utility vehicle struck a 25-year-old male pedestrian. The pedestrian was transported to an area hospital for treatment, but reports indicate that he died approximately 30 minutes after the collision.

The driver left the accident site. However, police state they were able to locate the man’s SUV in a driveway based on evidence left at the scene of the accident. He now faces several charges, including homicide and driving under the influence. Neither the driver nor the three passengers in the vehicle appear to have suffered any injuries in the collision.

Losing a loved one is difficult under any circumstance, but the senseless, preventable loss of such a young life seems to hold a higher degree of tragedy. Because of this Pittsburgh accident, the victim’s family will likely face funeral costs, medical expenses and possibly the loss of his income. A wrongful death case can help with these financial burdens. A successfully argued case could result in monetary damages being awarded to man’s surviving family members to compensate them with expenses related to the accident and allowed under Pennsylvania law.

Source: CBS Pittsburgh, Arrest Made In Fatal Brookline Hit & Run Pedestrian Crash, No author, Feb. 9, 2014