A good Samaritan aided a man seriously injured in a Pennsylvania car accident, potentially saving his life, recently. The 60-year-old man had been fishing in the Allegheny River with a friend when they decided to head back to the vehicle they had parked on North Water Street. The car accident occurred as the man stood behind his car placing items in the trunk.

A 32-year-old man was driving his truck on the same street when he hit a telephone pole close to where the 60-year-old man’s vehicle was parked. The truck swerved back into the road, but hit the back of the 60-year-old man’s vehicle. The man was pinned and unable to escape.

A 28-year-old woman, who saw the car accident, rushed to the scene and found the man clutching the trunk of his car. The man’s right leg had been severed in the car accident, and his left leg sustained injuries. The woman talked to him in an attempt to keep him calm until police arrived. She also kept his leg elevated as best she could.

The man was initially taken to ACMH Hospital, but was then flown to UPMC-Presbyterian Hospital located in Pittsburgh. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit where he was listed in critical condition. The driver who caused this crash was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. The man’s vehicle has been impounded and it is possible that further charges will be filed once the accident investigation has been completed.

While the victim is fortunate to be alive, this car accident will alter his life permanently. There is no word on whether the man’s leg was able to be reattached, but even if it was, he will likely have a very long recovery period. Although the faulted man is facing criminal charges for his actions, the victim in this Pennsylvania case may pursue other legal recourse to hold this man responsible for causing this accident.

Source: The Kittanning Paper, “Local Woman Aids Crash Victim,” Jonathan Weaver, June 14, 2012