A 50-year-old man was killed after a Pennsylvania hit-and-run accident. The crash happened the evening of March 8 as the man attempted to cross Route 51 in Allegheny County. Witnesses reported seeing two vehicles strike the man. He was in cardiac arrest when the EMS arrived and was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Police are searching for the two hit-and-run drivers said to have been involved.

The first vehicle is described as a white van missing a passenger-side sideview mirror. The second vehicle was said to be a small dark colored vehicle and apparently struck the man after he was initially hit by the van. Police are requesting public assistance from people who may have witnessed the accident to help them identify both the vehicles and the drivers involved.

The Baldwin Police Chief stated that Route 51 is a very busy road and several accidents have occurred there. They have contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in an attempt to make the route safer for pedestrians. The hit-and-run investigation has been transferred to the Allegheny County Police.

The man’s family will understandably be interested in the results of the official accident investigation. They may be able to seek redress in Pennsylvania courts against any party deemed negligent in the tragic hit-and-run accident. Such lawsuits are referred to as wrongful death claims and permit a surviving family to seek reimbursement for costs related to the fatality, as well as for other damages including pain and suffering caused by the collision that resulted in the death of their loved one. Hopefully police will be able to find the drivers who are responsible for this tragedy.

Source: CBS Pittsburgh, “Police Searching For 2 Vehicles After Deadly Hit & Run,” March 9, 2012