When someone is deemed to be responsible for causing a serious motor vehicle accident that person may face criminal charges. This is the case for a Western Pennsylvania man whose actions allegedly resulted in the death of man riding a motorcycle. The 32-year-old man was recently charged with a variety of crimes including driving with a suspended or revoked license and homicide by vehicle.

The incident which led to these charges took place late last month in Monroeville. According to authorities, the pickup truck the man was driving crossed the centerline of the road into oncoming traffic, causing it to hit the 69-year-old motorcyclist. Though following the incident, the man who was riding the motorcycle was transported to an area hospital, his injuries, to his chest, face and legs, were too serious and he died.

The pickup driver was clearly aware that he should not have been driving as after the accident he reportedly walked home and attempted to get several relatives to take the blame for the accident by saying they were actually driving. That alleged ploy did not work and the man was arrested.

While should he be convicted, the man could face serious criminal consequences for his alleged role in the fatal motorcycle accident, that may not be the end of his legal troubles. Family of the motorcyclist could decide to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver of the pickup as well, to try to recover monetary damages. Among other things, if awarded, such damages could help to cover funeral costs.

Source: Trib Live, “Monroeville man tried to pin fatal crash on relatives, police say,” Margaret Harding, July 1, 2013