A motorist was charged with criminal negligent homicide after killing a woman while driving the wrong way on the New York Tappan Zee Bridge. The multi-car crash occurred on July 23, 2013. The 69-year-old defendant was arraigned and jailed in March 2014. According to police, the man was driving south in an SUV on the northbound side of the bridge, before colliding head on with a Nissan driven by a 57-year-old man. The Nissan rolled over several times as a result of the impact of the collision.
A 57-year-old female passenger in the Nissan died at the scene of the accident. Both drivers and a 56-year-old passenger in the SUV suffered injuries in the accident. A 34-year-old man driving north on the bridge collided with the Nissan after swerving to avoid the oncoming SUV. His car was then rear-ended by a 44-year-old female motorist. A 40-year-old male driving another vehicle side-swiped the oncoming SUV before coming to a rest. The 44-year-old female motorist suffered injuries in the multi-car crash as well.
Due to distracted motorists and aggressive driving, severe accidents are often common around major cities like New York. Police still have not released the details surrounding this particular case. Once the findings of the investigation are released, the accident victims may be interested in filing personal injury lawsuits. The family of the deceased passenger may be interested in consulting legal counsel about filing a wrongful death claim.
Families and car accident victims typically employ local legal counsel who may be able provide support and guidance through complicated scenarios like the aforementioned accident. Lawyers may be able to work with local authorities in reconstructing the accident to identify who is culpable for the injuries, or damages, under consideration. With enough compelling evidence, the family of the deceased may be able to recover compensation for pain and suffering, funeral expenses and loss of income contribution.
Source: CBS New York, “Driver Charged In Fatal Wrong-Way Tappan Zee Bridge Crash“, March 28, 2014
