As the snow fell, Massachusetts state police were busy last night investigating several car crashes, including one fatal accident.

In Gardner on Route 2, a 65-year-old Farmington woman died after her car crossed the median into oncoming traffic just after 10 p.m. She crashed into a pickup truck. The driver of the truck, a 63-year-old man, reportedly suffered minor injuries in the crash.

Later that night, at about 2:30 a.m., a 25-year-old Stoneham man was hit on Interstate 93 North in Somerville by a TV news vehicle. He was transported to a hospital with serious injuries. He was in critical condition today, according to a news report.

His car had apparently broken down in the far left lane and he was crossing the highway when he was hit. The news vehicle was being driven by a 42-year-old reporter who was en route to cover another accident.

Another person was seriously injured in a nine-car crash on Interstate 93 in Quincy overnight.

Troopers also responded to a number of spin-outs and crashes on Route 128 near Wellesley and Canton, and along Interstate 495 in the Wrentham area.

While snow can make for difficult visibility and slick roads, it is very important for drivers to take the weather into account and drive cautiously. Car accidents can cause personal injury and even death, and drivers will be held accountable for negligent and reckless actions behind the wheel.

The news report did not indicate whether any drivers will face criminal charges in the aftermath of any of these accidents. Accident victims and their families also sometimes choose to file personal injury civil lawsuits when negligence was involved, in order to mitigate medical expenses and pain and suffering associated with a car accident.

Source: Boston Herald, "Slippery, fatal commute on roadways," Matt Stout, Jan. 17, 2012