Speed and erratic driving are the preliminary police conclusions regarding the potential cause of a fatal auto accident in Slippery Rock that was reported in the March 6 edition of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The car accident occurred earlier the same day on U.S. Route 422 at about 4:30 p.m. One driver was ejected from his vehicle and pronounced dead later at a hospital, while the other was being treated for what were termed major injuries at UPMC Presbyterian. The roadway was closed by police for approximately three and a half hours so that they could investigate the collision.
Initial reports indicate that a 19-year-old man in a black vehicle was speeding eastbound on Route 422 in a haphazard manner. For reasons not yet fully understood, the man’s car swerved into oncoming traffic and crashed head-on with a truck driven by a 49-year-old man. The teen was thrown from his vehicle in the car accident and medics subsequently airlifted him to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The other man was trapped inside his truck for almost an hour before rescue workers were able to free him. No further word on his medical condition was immediately available.
As the police continue their investigation, toxicology tests have been ordered for the deceased teenager. Once their inquiry is complete, the formal accident report may offer some insight into the precise cause for the car accident as well as a determination regarding fault for the collision.
Both the surviving family of the young man as well as the injured truck driver and his family will likely be interested in the police findings. In Pittsburgh and throughout Pennsylvania, those injured due to the negligent or reckless conduct of another are entitled to pursue claims for financial remuneration related to the incident. Expenses incurred and other damages, including pain and suffering related to the injuries, are typically included in any legal relief sought.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “Teen dies after Slippery Rock crash,” Liz Navratil, March 6, 2012