A Pennsylvania woman transporting her two foster children to visit their biological parents was killed around 12:15 p.m. on March 21 in a car accident on Route 119 north. The 49-year-old foster mother died when her 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix was struck by a truck-tractor. Two of her foster children were critically injured in the crash. Her car broke down in the right northbound lane of Route 119, and she was apparently trying to change a tire in the traffic lane.

The truck-tractor operator did not suffer any injuries in the collision and authorities indicated he will not likely be charged with any serious crimes for the fatal accident.

According to police reports, a 1-year-old foster child was transported to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, but was scheduled to be released on the day following the collision. However, the other foster child, a 2-year-old, was still listed in critical condition at the same hospital. According to police reports, the two children are siblings.

Police credit the foster children’s survival on being strapped into secure car sets in the back of the car. Authorities are unsure why the foster mother did not get off the roadway and bring the children to safety.

It is not clear how this specific case will turn out, but Pennsylvania residents who are injured in an accident because of another person’s negligence may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. Family members who have lost loved ones in a car accident may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Source: Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, “Foster children manage to survive Route 119 crash,” Liz Zemba, March 23, 2012