A late night accident involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle earlier this week resulted in the death of the pedestrian. The deceased, a 71-year-old man from Export, was running an errand when he was hit. According to the Murrysville Police Chief, the man had driven his car to the post office located on Route 22 and then parked it across the road. He had already crossed the road once and was in the process of returning to his car when a car driven by an 18-year-old ran into him.

The man sustained blunt force trauma to his neck and head in the accident. After the accident he was transported to Allegheny General Hospital. It was there that he later died.

At the time of the accident it was difficult to see due to rainy weather. Compounding that problem was the fact that the man was wearing a dark colored jacket. Because it appears there was no way for the young man to avoid hitting the pedestrian, the Murrysville Police Chief reports that charges will not be filed.

Sometimes in cases similar to this one, even thought a driver may not face criminal charges, the person may face a civil lawsuit. Under certain circumstances these wrongful death lawsuits provide financial compensation to family members of the deceased person. While a lawsuit will not bring someone back who has been lost, it may make it easier for the loved ones left behind to move through their grief and on with their lives.

Source: wpxi.co, "No Charges Expected In Murrysville Pedestrian Death," Nov. 1, 2011