Drunk driving behind fatal drag racing incident

The drivers believed responsible for a fatal drag racing incident in New York have been arrested and are facing charges. Both individuals are accused of drunk driving, and one of them is charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. As a result of this incident, one person was killed and four other passengers were injured.

According to reports, the drivers of a Dodge Charger and a Honda Pilot were speeding in the northbound lanes of the West Shore Expressway when the driver of the muscle car rear-ended the SUV. The force of impact pushed the SUV into the back of a van and then into a guardrail. The Dodge then left the roadway and overturned on an embankment. A 39-year-old male riding in the front passenger seat of the Charger died in the wreck. Both of the drivers and the other passengers suffered non-life threatening injuries in the collision.

After being treated at an area hospital, both drivers — males, ages 38 and 49 — were arrested. The charges against them are quite serious and could have life-altering consequences if prosecutors are able to secure convictions. At this time, it is unknown if court dates have been scheduled for either of these individuals.

As a result of this drunk driving incident, the injured passengers and the family members of the deceased may be able to pursue civil actions against one or both of the drivers in an effort to seek compensation. Personal injury, wrongful death and any other applicable legal claims that are successfully litigated in New York civil court may result in monetary judgments being awarded for any recoverable losses. These might include medical expenses, funeral costs, lost wages and benefits and various other economic and non-economic damages that may have been sustained.

Source: pix11.com, “1 dead, 4 injured after serious crash on Staten Island“, Talia Tirella, Oct. 23, 2016