It's a sight no one wants to see–emergency response vehicles at the site of what is clearly a fatal crash. As much as we all want to think we are invincible, these occurrences serve as an all too common reminder that we are not.

Drivers travelling on Interstate 79 one afternoon earlier his month faced this reality. Portions of the road were closed due to crash involving a vehicle and a West Penn Power truck. The collision sent one person to the hospital and sadly killed another. It is not clear what exactly happened or how many people were involved in the tragic fatal accident.

As residents of Western Pennsylvania are likely aware, the trucks used by West Penn Power vary. Some of them are quite large and may include an arm with a bucket. While these attributes serve as advantages in completing the tasks drivers of the vehicles are responsible for, they are definitely a disadvantage to any smaller car that they may collide with.

It is not clear what kind of truck was involved in this crash but if it was one of the larger heavier models, it is possible that could have contributed to the catastrophic outcome of this incident. While it unknown which vehicle the person who died was occupying, in many cases like this one it is the smaller, lighter car.

An investigation will likely provide answers to the unknown factors. Those findings could also inform as to whether personal injury lawsuit will be filed as well.

Source: WPXI, "Fatal accident shuts down I-79 north near Marianna," Feb. 13, 2013

• We handle personal injury cases including those related to truck accidents. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Butler County truck accidents page.