One of the most common causes of serious injuries are car accidents. Usually, the car accident is intensified when someone is hit by a vehicle operated by a distracted driver, such as someone texting or a driving while intoxicated. A fatal car accident occurred in the Pennsylvania community of Richland Township when a 19-year-old was driving drunk and texting at the same time. Two people were killed in this accident.

Reportedly, the 19-year-old man was driving while intoxicated when he cut into approaching traffic. A vehicle driven by a 71-year old man was struck by the teen’s vehicle. Both the elderly driver and his 19-year-old passenger were killed as a result of the accident. Whether they were pronounced dead at the scene or at the hospital was not indicated.

It was not reported what time of the day or the exact location of the accident. Authorities were able to obtain the driver’s phone records which show that he was also texting while driving before he crashed into the other vehicle. The teen offered an apology to the victim’s family regarding the tragic incident when he surrendered to face the criminal charges. He has been accused of involuntary manslaughter and manslaughter with a vehicle.

Any type of car accident can be devastating for victims who suffer personal injury. Understandably, it is even more tragic when someone loses their life. The surviving family of the victims in this incident retains the right to file wrongful death claims. Under Pennsylvania law, victims and families of deceased victims can seek recovery of financial damages such as medical costs, funeral costs and pain and suffering engendered by the tragedy. 

Source: CBS Local Philly, “Pennsylvania Teen Charged With Double Fatal Texting DUI,” June 25, 2013