The recent 13-vehicle pileup on the I-79/I-70 flyover ramp in Washington County was a devastating reminder of how quickly tragedy can unfold on a highway. One moment, you are just driving home for Thanksgiving, and the next, your life is irrevocably changed by a chaotic chain reaction.

This crash, which tragically killed 64-year-old Jamie Doreen Wiles and injured several others, occurred in hazardous icy conditions. It’s a shock that hits deep into the community. When a wreck involves a dozen cars, including a tractor-trailer, the physical destruction is clear. But the emotional and legal damage is far more complex.

How can a Pittsburgh injury lawyer help here? Let us explain.

What Exactly is a Wrongful Death Claim?

In simple terms, a wrongful death claim is filed when a person dies because of another party’s negligence or recklessness. However, this isn’t a criminal case but a civil lawsuit designed to hold the responsible parties financially accountable.

For the victim’s family in the Washington County pileup, the claim is more than just blaming the driver who slid on the ice. It’s about seeking justice and financial support for the loss of life and income. These claims seek compensation for –

• Funeral expenses
• The loss of the deceased person’s future earnings
• The profound loss of companionship or guidance they provided

The Nightmare of Liability in a Massive Pileup

When several vehicles slam into each other, who’s at fault? Driver #1, who skidded on the ice? Driver #5, who was following too closely? This is why mass pileups are legal nightmares.

In PA, the law uses a standard called Modified Comparative Negligence. This means that when multiple drivers contribute to a crash, the fault is assigned by percentage. For example, a jury might fine one driver 20% at fault and another 40% at fault.

The crucial rule in PA is this –

• A driver who’s determined to be more than 50% at fault for the crash is generally barred from collecting compensation.
• For the victims and their families, this rule highlights the intense legal battle required to accurately assign fault to every negligent party.
• Even with icy roads, a driver or a trucking company can still be held liable if they were driving too fast for the conditions. They can also be liable if they failed to maintain their vehicle or were distracted while driving. Icy roads might be a factor, but they are rarely an excuse for fatal negligence.

How a Pittsburgh Accident Attorney Can Help Your Family Find Justice

After a tragedy like the I-79/I-70, the legal complexities are overwhelming. This is where an experienced Pittsburgh injury lawyer becomes essential.

Our compassionate but determined legal team at Logue Law Group does 4 crucial things:

• Preserving critical data: Without further delay, we gather all relevant information and secure medical records whenever possible. We ensure that every piece of documentation is safely archived and readily accessible for review. This swift action protects the integrity of the data and supports accurate decision-making moving forward.
• Stop the clock on evidence: We immediately move to preserve critical evidence as well. This includes vehicle dashcam footage, cell phone records, or the logs of any tractor-trailers involved. Swiftness is paramount since such evidence often disappears quickly.
• Identify every liable party: A pileup involves more than just drivers. We will investigate whether a company pushed its driver to ignore safety rules. Or if there was a government entity that failed to properly treat the icy road’s surface. The goal is to identify all sources of liability.
• Navigate insurance walls: Insurance companies will rush to settle quickly or try to shift 100% of the blame onto the deceased’s own vehicle. A Pittsburgh accident attorney acts as a shield, dealing with complex insurance negotiations. Our job is to ensure your family’s rights are protected under PA law.

When a sudden loss on the road shatters life, you shouldn’t have to face complex legal proceedings alone. While no lawsuit can bring back a loved one, it can provide your family with the justice and financial security needed to move forward.

If the severe pileup in Pennsylvania has impacted your family, seek immediate legal advice from us. Take the first necessary step toward accountability and call us at 412-387-6901.