A 27-year-old Marine from Springville died in a multi-vehicle crash in Susquehanna County on Jan. 2. Police say that the resulting collision caused two vehicles to be engulfed in flames.
Sources indicate that the Marine was stopped at a stop sign in his 2013 Dodge Durango when an International truck heading downhill failed to brake and struck him from behind. The collision forced the Dodge to rear-end a semi-truck in front of it. The International truck and the Dodge both burst into flames.
The Marine, who was a decorated bulk fuel specialist stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, died at the scene of the crash. Authorities said the fire was so intense that the Dodge’s vehicle identification number was melted off. Police identified the victim by a hunting rifle that was later found in the vehicle. The other drivers were not injured.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident. The International truck driver, a Tioga resident, has not yet been charged in the crash.
When someone dies in a car accident that was caused by another driver, a surviving spouse or other family members may wish to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for their loss. By using police reports, witness accounts and accident investigation results, an attorney could help the victim’s family establish the at-fault driver’s liability in the crash. In some cases, a family could receive a monetary award for the damages they incurred such as funeral and burial costs, lost inheritance, lost wages, loss of companionship and property damage.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
January 14, 2015
