Penn. Dept. of Transportation Target of Civil Suit in Fatal Crash

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is defending itself from a civil suit alleging it is partly at fault for a car crash that killed a 15-year-old girl in northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Citizens’ Voice of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, reports that a Luzerne County jury is hearing testimony in the case this week.

Kayla McGrady died in the January 2011 wreck in Pittston Township. The driver, 18-year-old Scott Smith, was unlicensed and admits he was going around 90 mph as he approached the sharp, downhill curve.

Attorneys for McGrady’s family say the state Department of Transportation shares some of the blame, noting a lack road signs to warn of the abrupt bend and decline in the road.

PennDOT’s attorney says Smith is solely responsible.

Smith was found delinquent of charges including homicide by vehicle. He remains under court supervision.