Tragic Hit-and-Run Crash
The husband and wife whose vehicle was struck by the SUV were both pronounced dead at the scene. A 22-year-old male passenger in the SUV in the front seat of the Explorer was transported by helicopter to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the Explorer fled the scene on foot.
Following an investigation, officials arrested a 24-year-old man in Mastic Beach and charged him with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. The man reportedly had been arrested in June 2017 on charges of driving with a suspended license and criminal trespass. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the family of the couple that was tragically killed in this crash.
Violation of Laws
Based on this news report, police have determined that the driver of the SUV was at fault by running a stop sign at the intersection. New York traffic laws clearly state that motorists have a responsibility to come to a complete stop at a stop sign. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 1172 states: “Except when directed to proceed by a police officer, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop sign shall stop at a clearly marked stop line.”
In addition to failing to stop at the stop sign, officials say, the driver in this case fled the scene of the crash. Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal crash is also a violation of state law. Drivers have the responsibility to stop right away and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. They have a responsibility to cooperate with investigating officers and exchange pertinent information with other parties involved.
Car Accidents and Wrongful Death
Wrongful death lawsuits are filed in cases where the death was caused by someone else’s negligence (carelessness) or wrongdoing. Unlike murder or manslaughter cases, wrongful death lawsuits are adjudicated in civil courts. These lawsuits are filed by survivors or immediate family members of the decedent such as a spouse, child (minor or adult), parents, siblings or any other individual who lived with or was financially dependent on the deceased person. While criminal cases result in penalties and punishment for the defendant, wrongful death lawsuits, when successful, can result in monetary damages for survivors who are not only struggling emotionally as they grieve the loss of loved ones but also financially as they deal with unforeseen expenses and loss of income.
If you have lost a loved one due to the actions of a negligent or reckless driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as lost future income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, funeral and burial costs, etc. An experienced wrongful death lawyer in New York will be able to guide victims’ families through what can become a complex process and help them secure compensation for their tremendous losses.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
The experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
Other TOLL FREE phone numbers for us are:
1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
Please visit us at: www.WORK4YOULAW.com
Source: https://patch.com/new-york/shirley-mastic/li-couple-killed-crash-after-driver-blows-stop-sign