A woman who was charged after causing a fatal car accident last year while fleeing from police has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. The crash occurred in February in Penn Hills; a 25-year-old woman died in the accident.

The woman who was sentenced this month was convicted of charges including third-degree murder, driving under the influence as well as drug charges. The woman was observed driving the wrong way down the road by witnesses. Police responded and tried to pull the woman over before the situation got worse. However, the woman tried to evade arrest and continued to drive.

According to police reports, the woman swerved in and out of incoming traffic, attempting to pass other cars, when she hit a car being driven by the victim. The woman died at the scene.

In addition to the prison sentence she is facing, the 29-year-old woman will be placed on probation at the conclusion of her prison term.

For the family of someone killed in a crash such as this, it would seem that the conviction would seem bittersweet. Yes, the person responsible is going to prison, but the victim's survivors have many long years ahead of them as well.

People in situations such as these often consult with attorneys experienced in wrongful death claims. When someone in the prime of life is struck down through no fault of her own, an attorney can advise the family of their options to help them work toward recovering compensation for their loss.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Woman gets 5 to 10 years in fatal traffic accident," Jan. 8, 2013