Drivers in the Pittsburgh area are most likely aware of the dangers deer pose to drivers this time of year. They come either alone, or in groups, bounding out of fields and wooded areas straight into traffic. While a deer can dart out in front of a vehicle at any time of the year, it is especially probably during the season of autumn.

Sadly, a motor vehicle accident resulting from deer running into the path of a motor vehicle recently resulted in a fatal crash. The single vehicle car accident occurred in Westmoreland County early one morning this past week. Two teens were in the car that crashed. The incident took place sometime after midnight.

Authorities indicate that the accident was caused when four deer entered Arona Road in front of the vehicle driven by a 17-year-old girl. When the teen swerved to try to avoid the animals, the car she was driving ran into an oak tree. The passenger, a 17-year-old boy is believed to have died upon impact.

The driver was able to get out of the wrecked car without assistance but a man who lived nearby the scene of the accident said shortly thereafter he saw her fall to the ground. She was transported to a hospital in Pittsburgh via a helicopter. The nature and extent of her injuries is not known.

The community is reeling from the loss. No one is ever prepared to lose a loved one in this way. The sudden loss can lead to economic and emotional hardship. Accordingly, when appropriate, wrongful death lawsuits are sometimes filed against the party responsible for the death.

Source: KDKA, "Teen Killed In Overnight New Stanton Crash," Trina Orlando, Oct. 25, 2012

• We handle wrongful death cases including those related to car accidents. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Pittsburgh fatal motor vehicle accidents page.