A car versus tractor-trailer accident occurred this week in Pennsylvania. The early morning fatal accident took place on a portion of Interstate 70 in Washington County.

Police indicate that a 62-year-old man was hit by the truck after he stopped his Hyundai Sonata along the side of the road near the Bentleyville exit. At the time of the collision, the Hyundai was reportedly once again moving, trying to merge onto the westbound lane of the interstate.

The man in the Hyundai was seriously injured in the collision with the truck. His car was so badly crushed that individuals from the Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department had to work to get him out. Once freed, he was taken via helicopter to Allegheny General Hospital, located in Pittsburgh. Sadly he did not make it the hospital. His injuries were so severe that he died before the helicopter made it to the hospital.

The man behind the wheel of the International tractor-trailer, a 35-year-old man does not appear to have sustained any injuries in the crash.

It is not clear why the truck hit the car. Because it was dark, it is possible that the truck driver did not see the much smaller vehicle. An accident reconstructionist could be brought in to determine how the event unfolded. These professionals are often used to help determine who is at fault for a crash.

Once the cause of the crash is determined, civil lawsuits could follow. Wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits are often filed in situations such as this. Whether any will be filed in this case remains to be seen.

Source: Tribune-Review, “Charleroi man killed in I-70 accident,” April 3, 2012