As much as residents of Western Pennsylvania likely don't want to think about it, each and every time someone decides to get into a motor vehicle, either as the driver or a passenger, there is the possibility that the car will be involved in a collision with either an object or another vehicle. Depending on a variety of factors, including the speed at which both vehicles are travelling, it is possible that the outcome of such an accident can be catastrophic and even result in death.

This very thing happened earlier this week in Butler County after two pickups collided head-on. At the time, the vehicles were headed in opposite directions on Route 68.

The 52-year-old man who died was behind the wheel of the vehicle that was in the correct lane. A passenger in his vehicle, a 41-year-old woman was hurt in the crash, though not seriously. The driver of the pickup that crossed the center line of the stretch of road was also hurt. His injuries did not appear to be life threatening however.

It is not clear what caused the vehicle that was headed east, to cross into oncoming traffic. The incident occurred mid-morning so he should have been able to see the other vehicle s around him without any problem. While more common at night, when a driver has been up all day, at times such collisions can be due to the individual behind the wheel falling asleep. Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can also result in such an accident. It is possible however that the driver simply became distracted by something either inside or outside of his vehicle.

Whatever the cause of the driver entering oncoming traffic, a man has lost his life. His loved ones may find that they want to seek financial compensation via a wrongful death lawsuit.

Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "Man dies in head-on crash in Connoquenessing," Feb. 19, 2013

• Car accidents can result in serious injuries. Our law firm handles case in which someone is hurt or dies in a collision. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our Butler County car accidents page.