Ryan Dunn, 34, the star who appeared in all of the “Jackass” movies, died in a fiery single – car accident at Route 322 and New Street in West Goshen Township, Pennsylvania around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Dunn was apparently driving the 2007 Porsche with passenger and friend Zachary Hartwell, 30, of West Chester when it crashed following a night out.
In the hours before his death, Dunn tweeted a picture of himself drinking with friends at Barnaby’s of America bar in Pennsylvania. While police have stated that speed may have been a factor in the fatal Pennsylvania auto accident, autopsies are being conducted by the coroner to determine if alcohol was a factor in the accident when the car hit a guiderail and tree before it burst into flames.
Regardless of the outcome of the autopsies, Pennsylvania personal injury lawyers offer condolences to the families and fans of both Dunn and Hartwell who have tragically and senselessly been lost too soon.
No matter whether the coroner finds the fatal Pennsylvania accident to be a DUI related accident or not, in this case, the family or estate of Zachary Hartwell, Dunn’s passenger, may have a wrongful death claim or a wrongful death case against Dunn’s estate.
Each state has its own set of complex wrongful death laws, and Pennsylvania is no exception. Pennsylvania recoveries in fatal accident cases can include loss of income of the person who passed, loss of his or her services to the household, medical and funeral bills and the pain and suffering experienced prior to the death of the decedent (legal term for the person who died, in this case Hartwell). Unfortunately, in many fatal PA accidents, insurance coverage is inadequate to cover all injury or wrongful death claims; part of the reason why a wrongful death suit may be filed.
Retaining an experienced PA personal injury lawyer with wrongful death case experience is important due to the complexity of Pennsylvania law. Similar cases involve experts in fatal accident reconstruction, engineers, money crunchers and other experts to determine full and fair compensation.
The Bucks County personal injury lawyers at Cordisco & Saile LLC are experienced at handling Pennsylvania wrongful death cases, know the law and do their utmost to comfort a grieving family. We can also assist you with all Philadelphia area, estate administration matters that follow your wrongful death case. If your loved one has been fatally injured, call our office to set an appointment so that we can help.
