It is possible that the only thing worse than a loved one dying in an unexpected car accident is when the individual at fault for the accident immediately flees after the collision. This was the tragic outcome of a pedestrian accident that occurred earlier this month in Allegheny County. The victim was a 56-year-old woman.

According to law enforcement the incident occurred in the middle of the night-between 4 and 4:45 a.m., when the woman was found, still alive. As a result of being hit by, the as of yet unidentified, vehicle the woman landed on a sidewalk. Despite receiving medical treatment after she was found, her injuries were apparently too serious and she died.

An unexpected and violent death such as the one in this case can be very difficult for family members and loved ones of the person who died. When that person was a major breadwinner it can be particularly jarring from a financial perspective. In addition to paying any medical bills that may have accumulated, the loss of a salary can leave a family not knowing how to move forward. Fortunately, those individuals may have legal options.

While filing a wrongful death lawsuit can be a trying process in and of itself, when successful, most find that it is worth it. It can provide monetary compensation for what is determined to be the value of the loss of the life. Because this can be so difficult to deal with it important to work with a lawyer with whom you feel comfortable.

Source: KDKA, "Woman Killed In McKeesport Hit-And-Run Identified," Brenda Waters, Jan. 16, 2013