A violent car accident in Brooklyn left one person dead and injured three others, two of whom were hospitalized in critical condition. These four victims were inside a Toyota traveling on Stockholm Street in Bushwick when their car was T-boned by a Kia heading down Irving Avenue. To complicate matters, the occupants of the Kia fled the scene after the impact left both cars totaled.
The driver of the Kia was eventually found and arrested, but no matter the disposition of the criminal case, it is likely that civil wrongful death and personal injury actions will ensue given the severity of the crash. Several elements of this case are commonly found in New York auto accident claims, such as:
- Leaving the accident scene — While the Kia driver was eventually found following the Bushwick collision, there are numerous instances in which the liable vehicle operator is never located after a hit and run. However, you can still collect compensation for your injuries through the Uninsured Motorist coverage on your own auto insurance policy. If you are not insured, New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation (MVAIC) acts as a safety net for victims of hit-and-run accidents and collisions involving uninsured drivers. By filing a claim with the MVAIC, you can seek compensation for your injuries, even if the driver remains unidentified.
- Speeding — The impact of the Bushwick collision was so powerful that the Toyota careened into a parked Chevrolet Suburban and pushed it onto the curb. As the Toyota was proceeding slowly after a stop sign, it is likely that the Kia was moving far in excess of the speed limit. A resident of the area said cars often speed through that intersection.
- Suspected alcohol use — Like many other serious accidents that occur during late-night hours, police suspected that the driver of the Kia was intoxicated and anticipated filing DWI charges against him. This might have been the reason why he and his passengers fled the scene.
Whatever happened before or after the crash, when someone you love dies in a fatal car accident, nothing is ever the same again. Though it can be hard to think about enforcing your legal rights when you’re still grieving, it is critical to contact an attorney as promptly as possible so that key evidence can be collected in preparation for litigation. In a wrongful death claim, plaintiffs can obtain compensation for funeral expenses, income the decedent would have earned over their lifetime and other damages.
Throughout New York City, Goldberg Sager & Associates provides strong legal advocacy for plaintiffs in personal injury and wrongful death claims arising out of auto accidents. For a free consultation with a proven attorney, please call 718-645-6677 or contact us online. Our office is in Brooklyn.
