Unfortunately, stories about drunk drivers killing people seem to be a news mainstay in all cities in the United States. Intoxicated driving is especially problematic in places like New York City which are densely populated with cars and pedestrians.
A drunk driver going the wrong way on the Staten Island Expressway caused a fatal crash that involved two other cars and killed a woman in his passenger seat.
Drunk driver kills one and hits two other cars while driving the wrong way
The incident began when a 47 year old man was driving his Honda sedan in the southbound lanes against the flow of traffic. This happened at about 5:30 am on the West Shore Expressway around the Chelsea-Travis neighborhood of Staten Island. He collided with both a Toyota and a Ford vehicle while he was driving in the wrong direction. The preliminary investigation did not provide any further details about the cause of the accident or the exact amount of damage.
When emergency crews arrived, they took the Honda driver to a local hospital in stable condition, but the police charged him with DWI shortly afterward. Several other injuries were recorded. There was a female passenger in his car, but she was pronounced dead on the scene by NYPD officers. The driver of the Toyota was taken to the same hospital in stable condition. The occupants of the Ford appeared to be in good health and they refused medical treatment at the scene.
The identity of the drunk driver was released later, as well as his deceased passenger. The victim was a 37 year old female from North Brunswick, New Jersey. The NYPD is still in the process of conducting a full investigation.
Fatal accidents and civil lawsuits
There are some motor vehicle accidents that result in the death of one or more victims. When this happens, certain relatives of the deceased person can utilize New York’s wrongful death statute to file a lawsuit on their behalf. This allows the family to collect damages related to medical expenses, funeral and burial, future lost wages, and even trauma and emotional pain caused by the accident. Because this is a civil case, it can be brought regardless of whether the person responsible is ever charged criminally or convicted. However, wrongful death cases have a very short statute of limitations, so it is best to talk to a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident.
Attorneys can assist after a collision
To get help after an accident with a drunk driver anywhere in the New York City metro area, contact a lawyer through the directory on USAttorneys.com. There are lawyers available in every city and area of practice.