Motor vehicle accidents are common occurrences on the road. Some of these collisions are truly accidental, but in many cases, driver negligence is often a contributing factor. Negligent drivers pose risks to themselves, as well as to other drivers on the road. Some of the most common forms of negligence that can result in serious injuries and deaths are: driving under the influence, distracted driving and reckless driving. A driver who is found negligent can be held liable if the accident caused injuries or fatalities.
A recent multiple car collision in Montgomery, which lies north of Manhattan, appears to have involved driver negligence. Based on the report, a 35-year-old man was traveling on Route 17k when he struck another car from behind. The second car then hit a commuter bus. The driver of this second car, a 53-year-old man, was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Five people inside the bus reportedly sustained minor injuries.
Policed said that the 35-year-old driver who allegedly caused the accident was driving under the influence of drugs. The driver was apprehended by the police and is now facing multiple criminal charges following the collision.
In such cases, car accident victims can use the results of an investigation in filing a civil lawsuit against the driver at fault for an accident. The victims may contend that driving under the influence affects the decision-making of drivers, which, in turn, results in poor choices on the road.
The family of the deceased may file a wrongful death lawsuit, while the remaining five injured people also may be eligible to proceed with legal action against the negligent driver through a personal injury lawsuit. Although no amount of money can bring back the life lost, compensation can still help the family of the victim achieve a sense of closure, as well as to cover costs and damages.
Source: The Republic, “1 killed, 5 injured in 3-vehicle crash on NY road; cops say impaired driver caused accident,” Sept. 13, 2013
