For individuals throughout the nation, Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer. Over the course of the long weekend many residents of the state of Pennsylvania celebrated the holiday by gathering with family and friends. Others observe the holiday by visiting cemeteries where their loved ones are laid to rest. While there is often an uptick injuries due to motor vehicle accidents on this weekend, most feel that they don't need to worry about that while visiting a cemetery. This actually proved to be untrue for one Pennsylvania woman.
The 69-year-old woman was visiting a cemetery when an unattended car came barreling toward her. At the time of the incident she was planting flowers at a grave located at the bottom of a hill. While she did so, something caused the vehicle, which had accidentally been left in drive while "parked" at the top of a hill, to roll down the hill. As it descended, it picked up speed and was estimated to be traveling at least 10 mile per hour, when it came into contact with the woman.
As a result of the collision the woman suffered pain in her knee and a bloody nose. Accordingly, she was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Fortunately she is expected to make a full recovery.
The incident could have been much worse. Authorities indicated that the fact that the owner of the vehicle was able to alert the woman that something was coming toward her, leading her to stand up, probably saved her life.
Cemeteries are generally considered to be peaceful places and few likely consider that while visiting one they will suffer injuries as a result of the negligence of the driver of a motor vehicle. Regardless of the location of such an incident however, whenever someone is hurt in such a manner, it is possible that a personal injury lawsuit could be filed against the party who was negligent. Whether the woman in this case will choose this course of action remains to be seen.
Source: ABC 27, "Woman struck by runaway car in Pa. cemetery," The Associated Press, May 27, 2014