Grounds exist for civil claims after fatal New York accident

A serious crash in New York recently claimed the life of one individual and left others in critical condition. Reports stated that at least four individuals were involved in the accident. Three people were in a vehicle heading south that was hit in the rear by another car. The second car was driven by an off-duty police officer who was suspected to have been drunk at the time.

The crash caused the first car to strike a tree and a light pole. A 22-year-old woman in that vehicle was taken to an area hospital, but she later succumbed to her injuries. The woman’s sister and the sister’s boyfriend were both also taken to the hospital with serious injuries. They had all been out celebrating the sister’s birthday.

The 32-year-old man driving the second vehicle was also injured in the incident. The report went on to state that he is currently facing charges for vehicular assault, DUI, breath test refusal and assault. Due to the death and other tragic outcomes of the crash, upgraded charges will likely be issued.

The results of this accident have undoubtedly caused the family to feel a myriad of emotions from grief over the loss of one child and injury of another to anger over the other driver’s alcohol consumption. If they feel the need to seek justice for those outcomes, they have the right to explore the possibility of filing wrongful death and personal injury claims. If these claims prove successful, they could potentially gain compensation for damages permitted under New York law.

Source: New York Daily News, “Queens woman dies after drunken off-duty cop slams into her car“, Kerry Burke, April 25, 2017