For most drivers a flat tire or other car problems are a nuisance that needs to be addressed before moving on with the day. Occasionally however, depending on the location, car problems can be quite dangerous.

Earlier this week a fatal accident took place on Route 119 in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. A woman, who may have been trying to change a flat tire, was hit by a tractor-trailer. At the time of the incident, two young boys were in the car.

The car was positioned in the right lane of the road when the 49-year-old woman along with the car she had been driving was hit. The truck that hit her was a United Parcel Service truck driven by a 54-year-old man.

Both of the young boys, ages 1-year-old and 2-years-old, were injured in the incident. Once the emergency response crew was able to get them out of the vehicle, they were transferred via helicopter to UPMC Presbyterian located in Pittsburgh. The children were reportedly in critical condition.

The 49-year-old woman who has been with them was declared dead at the scene of the accident. Perhaps not surprisingly, the man driving the tractor-trailer was not hurt.

It is not clear if the woman who died was a relative of the boys.

While it is likely that investigations are still being conducted into the matter to determine if any criminal charges will be filed, it is possible that family members of the deceased woman will file a wrongful death civil lawsuit against the driver of the truck and his employer.

Source: The Tribune-Democrat, "Wreck claims life of Ebensburg woman," March 21, 2012