Losing a loved one is a traumatic, gut-wrenching event and that pain is only exacerbated when the loss is sudden and completely unexpected. Unfortunately, a family is now experiencing this horrific feeling after a man was killed in a six-car chain-reaction wreck that occurred in The Bronx.
The tragic accident occurred in the left lane of the Cross Bronx Expressway near Webster Avenue. A 2012 GMC van collided with a 2002 Honda Civic, followed by a 2015 Mercedes-Benz striking the Honda, and a BMW hitting the Mercedes.
Authorities report that the driver of the GMC van got out of his vehicle and was struck by a car, according to the New York Post. If that was not bad enough, the driver who struck the man fled the scene and remains at large, as of the date of this posting. The GMC driver was pronounced dead at the scene.
Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the decedent.
Fleeing the Scene of an Auto Accident is Against the Law
When a motorist is involved in a car crash in New York, they are legally obligated to stop and share insurance information with the other driver or pedestrian before leaving the scene of the accident, according to New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600-1a. In addition, if someone is injured in a car accident, the drivers are legally required to contact the police and wait for an officer to file a report, according to Vehicle and Traffic Law § 600-2a.
For a free legal consultation, call (212) 732-2929
Take Legal Action to Pursue Justice on Behalf of Your Lost Loved One
If you lost a loved one in an automobile accident, you need to speak to an experienced New York City wrongful death attorney to discuss your legal rights. Obviously, no amount of money will be able to bring your loved one back, but the job of your attorney is to recover as much money as possible to compensate the family and loved ones of the decedent.
In New York, wrongful death actions are governed by statutory provisions within the Estates, Powers and Trust Law (“EPTL”). According to EPTL § 5-4.1, the legal representative of the decedent’s estate has the legal authority to bring a wrongful death action.
In a wrongful death case there are many types of claims that can be made and damages that can be recovered. The estate of the decedent is entitled to be compensated for all the pain and suffering had by the decedent from the time of the accident to the time of his or her death. If the person is conscious for any length of time prior to the death and is in pain, the recovery for such pain may be in the millions of dollars. If a person could see prior to the accident that the accident was going to happen, the estate may be entitled to a recovery called pre-impact terror or fear of impending death. This could also be in the millions of dollars. Family members who were not even involved in the accident also have damage claims. These are known as pecuniary losses. Spouses and children are entitled to the lost earnings that the spouse or parent would have earned during their lifetime. If the person earned $100,000 a year and their life expectancy if it were not for the accident was 30 years, that claim would amount to Three Million Dollars. Children are entitled to the loss of parental guidance for the loss of a parent. In fact, any benefit that a family member would have gotten from the decedent can be calculated into an amount of money damages by a lawyer experienced in wrongful death cases such as these.
Take Action Now – Contact a Top Rated Wrongful Death Attorney in New York City
If you lost a loved one in an accident caused by the reckless or negligent actions of another, you need a wrongful death law firm that is aggressive and will work to build a compelling and strong wrongful death claim. The personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Dansker & Aspromonte Associates LLP are here to help. Contact our office today to schedule a free, confidential case review. We proudly serve Manhattan, Brooklyn, New York, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island and the NYC Metro area and beyond.
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