Pennsylvania State Police confirmed the death of an 11-year-old boy following a two-vehicle crash early Thursday morning on the Parkway East near Pittsburgh. According to the County Medical Examiner’s Office, Jaiden Childs, of Pittsburgh died shortly before 6:30 a.m., after being transported to the hospital. The boy was a passenger in a possible malfunctioning vehicle, stopped in the left lane of the highway, when a second vehicle changed lanes from the right to the left lane and struck the rear end of that vehicle. Early information suggests that the car changing lanes was behind a much larger vehicle that may have caused limited visibility of the disabled car. Two other passengers were in the car that was hit, including one 17-year-old and the driver, who were also taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while the driver of the second vehicle was not injured. The crash is still under investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police.
Wrongful death.
Losing a loved one is devastating, but loved ones must hold negligent drivers accountable for that loss. Contact skilled legal counsel who will build a case under Title 42, Chapter 83 of the Pennsylvania General Statutes, Section 8301, defining wrongful death as one that is “caused by the wrongful act, or negligence of another.” Beneficiaries must be mindful of Pennsylvania’s two year statute of limitations for wrongful death legal action and contact an experienced accident attorney soon after a catastrophic accident for legal direction.
Liability.
Determining liability after a motor vehicle accident is difficult and reports from witnesses, police and medical personnel will become especially important documents to build a strong case for negligence against a driver who caused a wrongful death to a loved one. An experienced personal injury attorney can be of assistance in helping family members file a wrongful death claim and actions of the other driver will be considered when settlements are estimated.
Damages.
Insurance compensation for any loss sustained as a result of a vehicle accident may be possible in the State of Pennsylvania. Call an accident attorney who can help support negligence by assigning “fault” in a legal proceeding that addresses property damage, physical injuries, and wrongful death. Damages that may be recovered include:
- Medical bills
- Current and future compensation losses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of care, companionship
- Estate administration expenses
- Funeral expenses if a wrongful death occurs
Under Pennsylvania’s no-fault system, 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, including wrongful death claims. An experienced attorney at Scanlon & Wojton, LLC, can be of assistance with wrongful death insurance settlements.
Scanlon & Wojton, Attorneys at Law
The Mitchell Building
304 Ross Street, Suite 510
Pittsburgh, Pa 15219
Phone: (412) 918-1241
Fax: (412) 235-7275
Sources:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/CT/HTM/42/00.071.002.000..HTM
