1 killed, 6 Injured in West Philadelphia Multi-Vehicle Crash

A horrific traffic accident in the Overbrook Park section of Philadelphia caused one death and multiple injuries. The multi-vehicle crash occurred about 2:00 p.m. on September 1, 2020, in front of the Together We Grow 2 daycare center.

Two vehicles were involved in the crash. A 2001 Honda and 2013 Ford. 

Chad Anthony Grey, 35, was driving the Honda. He died at the accident scene. An unidentified juvenile female drove the Ford. There was another female and three children in the Ford.

According to the police, both cars were speeding and heading eastbound in the 7200 block of Haverford Avenue. The Honda was traveling eastbound in the westbound lanes on Haverford Avenue before it crossed over in front of the Ford. Witnesses state that the cars collided.

The collision caused the Honda to be slammed into five parked vehicles. Three of the parked vehicles had occupants at the time of the crash. 

Witnesses say that the young woman driving the Ford exited the vehicle. The woman took a baby from the vehicle and fled the accident scene on foot. Police officers have identified the juvenile driver who fled the scene.

A witness claims that the juvenile driver who fled the scene did not appear drunk or high. She said she just appeared scared. 

The man who died in the accident is survived by three young children in Jamaica. He was a delivery person for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.

Seven other people were injured in the multi-vehicle accident. Six of the victims were in stable condition in the hospital. The condition of the seventh victim, a 61-year-old woman, was unknown.

Law enforcement officers continue to investigate the cause of the traffic accident. 

A Tragedy That Could Have Been Avoided

One witness claims that the man driving the Honda sped up so that the female driving the Ford could not cut him off. Law enforcement officers have not confirmed this account. However, if that is true, both vehicles were speeding and possibly driving reckless.

Reckless driving and excessive speed are two common causes of traffic accidents. When drivers are aggressive or give in to road rage, the results can be devastating. According to PennDOT, aggressive driving behaviors are included in the leading causes of fatalities and highway crashes in Pennsylvania. 

Speeding and aggressive driving are preventable. Drivers do not have to give in to the urge to cut people off or prevent people from cutting them off. They do not need to speed and weave in and out of traffic to “get to the front” of traffic. 

When a driver engages in aggressive driving behaviors, the risk of causing a traffic accident increases. PennDOT offers the following advice if you encounter an aggressive driver on the road:

  • Move out of the driver’s way
  • Do not challenge the driver
  • Remain relaxed 
  • Avoid eye contact with the other driver
  • Ignore rude gestures
  • Do not block the passing lane if you are traveling at a slower speed than most of the other traffic

You cannot control what other motorists do behind the wheel, but you can control your driving behavior. Staying calm and obeying traffic laws could prevent a tragic accident from happening.

What Should You Do if an Aggressive Driver Causes an Accident?

Do not engage the driver or confront the driver. If the driver is angry, remain in your vehicle and call 911. Tell the 911 operator about the situation and request immediate assistance.

When the police officers arrive, remain in your vehicle until the officer comes to you unless otherwise instructed. Explain what happened before and after the car crash. 

After a crash, many people take photographs and videos of the accident scene to document the scene. Doing so in the presence of an aggressive driver could inflame the situation. You may want to wait until the police arrive to try to take any photographs. 

Make sure that you seek medical attention for your injuries as soon as possible. You need to document your injuries for a personal injury claim. 

Do not discuss the accident with an insurance adjuster until you have spoken with a car accident lawyer. Also, do not sign any documents for the insurance company until you talk with a lawyer. 

Keep copies of all documents you receive from your doctors, the insurance company, and other parties. Also, make careful notes about each conversation you have with anyone regarding the accident. Your lawyer may give you additional advice and steps that you need to take to protect your right to fair compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and other damages. 

Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Philadelphia Today To Get Help With Your Case

To learn more and get the help you deserve, call Zavodnick & Lasky Personal Injury Lawyers at (215) 875-7030 or contact us online.
You can also visit our law firm at 123 S Broad St #1220, Philadelphia, PA 19109.