Many people in Pennsylvania are focused on how to be safe in all things that they do. For example, most drivers choose to follow traffic laws to help prevent motor vehicle accidents. Unfortunately, certain reckless actions, such as driving while under the influence of alcohol, can have tragic consequences.
For example, law enforcement officials believe that alcohol was a factor in a fatal accident that happened in Dec. 2019. Reports indicate that four people were in a van on I-95 during the early morning hours; the driver had reportedly engaged the van’s hazard lights due to mechanical concerns. Police believe that a sports utility vehicle driven by a 37-year-old man slammed into the back of the van; data from the vehicle indicates that the SUV was traveling over 100 mph at the time.
As a result of the collision, the van exited the highway before hitting a concrete barrier and bursting into flames. Two passengers in the back died as a result of their injuries while the driver and another passenger were injured. An investigation revealed that 911 calls were made just prior to the accident, reporting an erratically driven vehicle that matched the description of the one involved in the accident.
The man, whose blood alcohol content was allegedly significantly over the legal limit, was recently arraigned on multiple charges, including murder in the third degree, homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault and simple assault. While the pursuit of justice through criminal charges is important following motor vehicle accidents, many victims – and/or their families — face financial concerns as a result of their injuries, loss or both. As such, victims in Pennsylvania, including surviving family members, want to ensure that they are fully aware of their legal options, potentially including filing a personal injury lawsuit against the parties deemed responsible.