This past weekend a fatal car accident occurred in Penn Hills. The accident involved two vehicles that collided on Verona Road.

Prior to the accident it appears that a vehicle driven by a 28-year-old woman was speeding and driving erratically on Verona Road. As it crossed Frankstown Road, a Penn Hills police officer passed the SUV driving in the opposite direction. That police officer reportedly turned around and turned on its lights planning to try to pull the SUV over.

Before the police unit could catch-up with the SUV however, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle, a Ford Taurus that had a 25-year-old woman behind the wheel. The collision occurred near the intersection of Robinson Boulevard and Verona Road.

The crash was a serious one. The woman driving the Ford was severely injured and sadly died at the scene. The woman driving the SUV that hit the car was also hurt in the collision. She reportedly broke both of her legs. Both she and her passenger, a 42-year-old woman, were transported to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital. There they were both listed in serious condition.

Thus far, no charges have been filed against the woman behind the wheel of the SUV. She may however, be facing a variety of charges including:

•· homicide by motor vehicle

•· involuntary manslaughter

•· reckless endangerment

•· fleeing and eluding police

Even if the woman is not criminally charged, it is possible that she could face a civil wrongful death lawsuit. In addition to providing financial compensation, it often provides those left behind with a sense of closure as well.

Source: CBS Pittsburgh, "Fatal Penn Hills Crash Not Caused By Police Chase," Feb. 20, 2012