Fatal highway accidents are a common and unfortunate occurrence throughout all of the United States due to heavy traffic in every metro area. During rush hour every morning, a combination of commercial vehicles and workers making their way to their jobs results in a mix of traffic that sometimes turns deadly.
A collision on a highway killed at least one person and damaged multiple vehicles in Fayette County Pennsylvania in the Henry Clay Township area.
SUV goes into opposing lanes and hits a tractor trailer
The incident began when an SUV and tractor trailer collided at around 8 am during rush hour traffic. Police believe the driver of the SUV went into the opposing lanes of traffic for an unknown reason. This happened on the road known as National Pike or Route 40 between Flat Rocks Road and Dinner Bell-Ohiopyle Road. Traffic travelling in both directions was totally blocked while rescue crews and police responded to the truck accident. All vehicles nearby were diverted into Wharton Township.
There was no word given at the time of the report regarding a definitive cause of the accident. The identity of the deceased person was not released, but law enforcement said that they believe he was a male in his 60s. Both of the vehicles involved had only a driver inside and no other passengers.
Henry Clay Township is southeast of Pittsburgh near the West Virginia border.
Remedies available for victims
In a tragic situation like this, it is possible for the victim’s family to receive some kind of financial help to pay for their losses. After all motor vehicle accidents, an attorney who focuses on personal injury and negligence cases can make the driver or business at fault pay out through a civil lawsuit or settlement agreement.
Certain family members who were related to the victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit on his behalf. This will help pay for things like medical treatment, funeral and burial expenses, and the wages the person could have earned if they were still alive.
How can a victim get help after an accident?
Immediately after a collision, it is imperative to contact your insurance provider and the police as soon as possible. They will do their own investigations, and the information that they gather may become important evidence during the course of your lawsuit. It is also important to follow any local laws and procedures to avoid fines or penalties from your insurance companies.
After the accident, it is possible to speak with a lawyer who routinely handles these situations. They may ask for information and evidence from you, and they may conduct their own investigation or call witnesses into their office for depositions. Depending on what is discovered during this process of gathering and sharing information between the lawyers for both sides, there may be a full trial or a settlement agreement that pays the victim a fair amount for their losses.
Talk to a lawyer in the Pittsburgh area
If you have been involved in an accident anywhere near Pittsburgh or surrounding counties in Pennsylvania, there are attorneys who can speak with you and assist you with the process of filing a lawsuit. You can use the directory on USAttorneys.com to find more information and contact a local legal professional.
