PennDOT Liability in Auto Accidents
Auto accidents in Pennsylvania are an unfortunate reality and can happen in a matter of seconds. Victims of vehicle collisions often experience many life-changing consequences that present several challenges to overcome on a financial, emotional and physical level. Even the safest of drivers may find themselves unable to control a vehicle well enough to prevent an accident, especially during inclement weather. While it’s true that driver inattention causes a handful of car accidents in Erie and throughout Pennsylvania, a recent accident settlement serves as a reminder that government agencies may be held liable for negligent actions that contribute to an accident taking place.
According to an Associated Press report, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has been held legally responsible for failing to warn drivers of snowy conditions on Interstate 90 in relation to a 62-vehicle pileup that took place in January of 2007, killing one truck driver.
The settlement requires the PennDOT to pay $50,000 as the outcome of the Erie County wrongful death suit filed by the parents of the 43-year-old trucker. The parents of the deceased truck driver also filed suit against another trucking company whose driver has been implicated for the pileup. To further emphasize how complex wrongful death and personal injury litigation can be when multiple parties are involved, the report mentions that the trucking company and others involved in the multi-vehicle crash countersued and also put the blame on PennDOT. Victims of Erie auto accidents and family members of wrongful death victims may find it helpful and beneficial for their potential case to seek legal counsel from an Erie, PA personal injury attorney who can ensure that the fine details of a case are organized appropriately.
While there is no implication that PennDOT intentionally failed to warn drivers fittingly about snowy weather conditions, the government agency has an important responsibility of making sure that weather warnings are issued in a timely and efficient manner. Similarly, if a dangerous road condition in Pennsylvania goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, thus worsening and contributing to a vehicle accident occurring, the entity responsible for maintaining that roadway may be held liable as well.
