Craig Rosenbaum | December 28, 2011 | Car Accidents

A 26-year-old New York man was recently indicted on a number of charges for a 2010 crash that claimed the life of a Bronx woman.

The car accident happened on Nov. 6, 2010. Police say the 26-year-old man was driving north on Route 22 when he collided with a southbound vehicle. A 57-year-old woman was a passenger in the other car, and did not survive the crash. Two other people involved in the crash were sent to area hospitals.

Investigators say the man was driving at a high rate of speed at the time of the accident, and believe he was intoxicated at the time. Authorities procured an arrest warrant for the man. He was arraigned in Putnam County Court where he was remanded to jail.

After a lengthy investigation, a Putnam County grand jury filed multiple indictments against the man. He is facing second-degree murder charges, in addition to two counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and second-degree vehicular manslaughter. He was also indicted on second-degree manslaughter, multiple counts of vehicular assault, reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.

Although an indictment is not the same thing as a conviction, the man will face a potential life sentence if he is convicted of these crimes.

Even so, a life sentence will not replace the life of the loved one lost in this crash. If the man is found to be negligent in this case, family members of the victim may have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. While no amount of money can replace a life, it can assist the family in recouping medical or legal expenses incurred as a result of this accident, and also provide compensation for a lifetime of lost companionship.

Source: News Times, “New York man charged with murder for 2010 DUI crash,” John Pirro, Dec. 7, 2011