When a loved one is killed in a tragic accident, it can be devastating to the surviving family members. But when the victim is also carrying a baby, the loss can feel even more overwhelming for the expectant family.
Recently, a 19-year-old Zelienople woman was killed when her car crashed into a tractor trailer. The woman was pregnant, and on her way to a doctor’s appointment, when the accident happened. The baby did not survive. Her boyfriend was also in the car, and was critically injured. Both victims had to be extracted from the wreck by the Zelienople Fire Department and were taken to a local hospital.
When someone is killed as a result of the negligence of another, the victim’s surviving family members may be able to bring a wrongful death lawsuit against the responsible party. Specific laws vary by state, but a determination of negligence generally requires a showing that the responsible party failed to use the appropriate measure of care under the law. A successful wrongful death suit can result in an award of monetary damages for the just and fair compensation of the loss. This loss is looked at in terms of the victim’s age, condition, life expectancy and earning capacity at the time of death.
This tragic accident happened on Route 68, which the Zelienople Police Chief described as a dangerous stretch of road where accidents had previously occurred. This may be due to a misalignment of lanes, causing westbound drivers to “slide into the eastbound lanes,” according to the Police Chief. It is reported that a project to realign the road will be embarked upon soon.
Source: Pittsburgh.cbslocal.com, “Pregnant Woman Killed In Zelienople Crash,” June 11, 2013