3 dead following Pennsylvania tractor trailer accident

Three people tragically died and two others were seriously injured in a crash on Route 340 on the morning of September 19, according to local authorities. Pennsylvania rescue workers responded to the tractor trailer accident that apparently also involved a pickup truck. So far, no formal charges appear to have been filed in connection with the wreck, but the police investigation is still underway as of this report.

According to the accident report, a westbound tractor trailer struck a pickup truck on the driver’s side as it attempted to enter the highway. Both trucks struck an embankment as a result of the collision and came to rest perilously close to a house in the front yard. Apparently, the impact was so severe that three of the pickup truck’s four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, including the driver.

A passenger in the pickup truck survived and was rushed to a local hospital, where his status was described as serious but not life threatening. The driver of the tractor trailer was also injured in the impact, but his wounds were considered minor by medical attendants. Police have not yet charged the tractor trailer driver with any infractions, though it is possible that charges are still forthcoming.

The details of the tractor trailer accident are not sufficient enough to determine whether the driver of the trailer will be held accountable for the crash by Pennsylvania authorities. However, regardless of whether criminal charges are filed, the families of the deceased occupants of the pickup truck, as well as the injured party, will be able to file wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits against the driver and possibly the company that employed him. Should compelling evidence be brought to light suggesting the driver’s culpability, the families could stand to be compensated in a civil court.

This blog entry was posted on behalf of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the firm or its attorneys. The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.

Source: readingeagle.com, “Police: 3 killed, 2 injured in Pennsylvania crash”, , Sept. 19, 2014