A Pennsylvania judge has ordered a tow truck driver to stand trial in the death of a mother and the serious injury of her 9-year-old son.

This case of Pittsburgh vehicular homicide reportedly stemmed from an incident in the middle of last month. Pittsburgh traffic defense attorneys understand that the tow truck driver was reportedly driving south on Milltown Road when he is alleged to have crossed over the yellow dividing line and crashed head-on into the 45-year-old victim and her son.

The driver, who is 50, is facing 17 charges related to the incident. Those charges include vehicular homicide, involuntary manslaughter, accident involving death or personal injury, driving under the influence, reckless driving, aggravated assault by a vehicle while under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.

Although the tow truck driver reportedly at first attempted to drive away, a witness brought him back to the scene. The crash happened sometime around 1 p.m. on May 12.

Witnesses reported the impact sounded like a gunshot. Others who saw the wreck told local television crews that the driver was speeding as well. Another told reporters the driver's breath smelled like alcohol.

The woman in the other vehicle was declared dead at the scene. Her son was transported by helicopter to a nearby hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.

Certainly, this is an incredibly tragic case. However, no one is served when we rush to a judgment. The fact that these charges have been filed does not mean that the individual in question is automatically guilty of them. And even if he may be responsible for some of them, he may not necessarily be accountable for all. It's going to be important for his defense attorney to unravel the facts in what is likely to be an emotionally-charged case.

The Pennsylvania law regarding homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence is found in state statute 3735. What that law essentially says is that you can be found guilty of a second-degree felony if you unintentionally cause the death of another person due to your drinking and driving. The minimum sentence for this single charge is three years in prison (with another three years for each subsequent person who dies as a result of the crash).

Many people who find themselves in this situation, however, are going to be looking at probably multiple charges. That's why it's going to be extremely important that you have a skilled attorney on your side.