Unfortunately fatal car accidents are a byproduct of a society that relies so heavily on motor vehicles for transportation. While there are times when a fatal accident is impossible avoid, in other instances parties involved are clearly at fault. This fault can take many forms including failing to follow the rules of the road.

Recently a 21-year-old woman, who was behind the wheel of a vehicle that was hit by a tow truck, was charged by Pittsburgh police with vehicular homicide in the death of her passenger. The charges stem from a November 2010 accident which occurred at an intersection on Route 51 close to the West End Bridge. When the tow truck hit the woman's vehicle, she was reportedly in the process of making a left turn despite signs indicating that doing so was against the law.

The collision resulted in the death of the 26-year-old woman who was in the car at the time. The man behind the wheel of the tow truck, who indicated he attempted unsuccessfully to stop his truck before impact, was hurt in the crash. Thankfully his injuries were reportedly only minor.

In addition to vehicular homicide, several other charges were leveled against the woman as well. Among others, she was also charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving.

When a passenger is killed in a car accident that is the fault of the driver it is not uncommon for the family of the deceased person to seek justice on the civil side as well. A personal injury attorney can assist family members in doing so.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Woman charged in crash that killed her passenger," April 24, 2012