Recently in New York, a tragic car accident claimed the life of a Middle Island woman. It is believed that this car accident was caused by a doctor who was driving while intoxicated at the time. The fatal car accident occurred as the woman was driving to her job where she worked in a dialysis clinic.
The woman was struck by the doctor as she was traveling west and he was traveling north. It is not clear how the accident occurred, but it is noted that the doctor crashed into the woman’s vehicle. The woman was taken immediately to the hospital where she later died from the serious nature of her injuries. The doctor only suffered non-life threatening injuries. At the time, the man was held by New York law enforcement and was officially charged with driving while intoxicated.
Drunk driving accidents are especially tragic because they are completely preventable. When a driver makes the decision to drink and get behind the wheel of a car, he or she face will likely face legal consequences. Additionally, victims could file a civil suit against the driver. In this particular case, the family of the deceased could seek compensation from a wrongful death claim. In this particular case, it is not yet known if drunk driving caused the accident.
When a person is needlessly killed or injured because of the reckless or negligent actions of another person, a civil claim may be an option. While a wrongful death or personal injury settlement cannot reverse any damage, it can offset the costs associated with an unexpected accident. The family of the woman who died in the apparent drunk driving car accident may choose to explore this option by having their particular situation evaluated.
Source: Newsday, “Monica Peterman of Middle Island dies in crash with drunken driver Thomas Stavola, police say“, Ted Phillips and MacKenzie Issler, June 14, 2014
