Drivers who fail to remain alert and vigilant while driving are often guilty of engaging in unsafe driving practices. In cases where a driver is distracted, it's common for a vehicle to drift onto the shoulder or into another traffic lane. One Pennsylvania man recently died after his car was struck from behind by a driver who drifted into the lane in which he was traveling.

The fatal car accident occurred during the afternoon hours as a minivan traveled westbound along Interstate 80. At this same time, a 44-year-old man was also traveling westbound along the same stretch of I-80 in the far right lane. For unknown reasons, the minivan drifted into the right lane and hit the rear tire of the vehicle driven by the 44-year-old man.

The force of the impact caused the man to lose control of his vehicle which veered off the freeway and rolled down an embankment. As the car rolled, the bodies of both the 44-year-old driver and that of a 35-year-old male passenger were ejected. The 44-year-old driver sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the accident scene. The 35-year-old male passenger sustained serious injuries, but lived and was transported to a nearby hospital.

Police continue to investigate the accident and factors that may have contributed to the fatal crash. Regardless of their findings, however, there is little doubt that the driver of the minivan caused the fatal accident. As such, the driver will likely face criminal charges as well as possible civil lawsuits.

Family members who have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident that resulted from another driver's negligence may choose to take legal action. A wrongful death lawsuit may be an appropriate means to helping family members recover compensation related to medical expenses, lost wages and funeral costs.

Source: KDKA-TV, "1 Dead, 1 Injured In Mercer Co. Crash," March 24, 2013