Alleged drunk driver charged after injured passenger dies

On July 19, two men were heading north in a sedan on a road in Murray Hill when the 25-year-old driver crashed into an eastbound truck. A police report of that accident shows the collision occurred at an intersection in the early morning hours. The New York Police Department responded to the scene and alleged the man who operated the car was a drunk driver.

When the car crashed into the truck, it became wedged underneath, and together, the two vehicles careened into another vehicle that was westbound. A passenger in the first car suffered critical injuries, and he was rushed to a hospital. However, six days later, on July 25, the 37-year-old passenger succumbed to his injuries.

The alleged drunk driver was also admitted to a hospital, but the severity of his injuries is unknown. The truck driver and an occupant of the third vehicle received minor injuries, and they were both released after treatment. After the death of his passenger, the driver of the first car was charged with drunk driving and vehicular assault.

Whenever a passenger dies as the result of the conduct of a drunk driver who was negligent, the surviving family members of the deceased person can pursue financial relief. To do this, they must file a wrongful death claim in a New York civil court. The family will have to establish negligence, but if the driver is convicted of drunk driving and/or vehicular assault, it might help their case. In any event, the assistance of an experienced wrongful death attorney can help with the navigation of such a lawsuit.

Source: Gramercy, NY Patch, “Passenger Dies From Injuries In Drunken Murray Hill Crash, Police Say“, Ciara Mccarthy, Aug. 1, 2017