Alleged drunk driver strikes an kills NYPD officer

A New York police officer who had been on the force for almost 15 years died after a hit-and-run driver struck him while he working an accident involving a car fire. He was married and had two kids.

Authorities said that the woman who struck him drove away quickly after the accident. The woman’s windshield had splintered on impact, and the blow knocked the officer 100 feet.

At the time of the accident, police were directing traffic and had put up cones in addition to leaving their emergency lights running.

Eventually, police caught up with the woman and arrested her. She eventually admitted both to drinking alcohol and using marijuana immediately before driving her vehicle. Her blood alcohol content was almost double the legal limit. She faces multiple criminal charges, including manslaughter and DWI.

Work-related motor vehicle accidents may offer multiple paths to compensation

Police officers are one of many types of professionals who often have to expose themselves to being hit by cars.

Construction workers, trash collectors and even couriers are also prone to pedestrian accidents, and just about anyone who drives for a living can be involved in a motor vehicle accident between cars.

Too often, these types of work-related accidents leave a person permanently disabled and with nearly insurmountable medical bills and expenses. In other cases, like this recent tragedy, a worker may be killed and leave a family trying to figure out how to make ends meet.

Workers’ compensation may cover many of these expenses, but it does not pay for everything. In particular, this program will not compensate family for the emotional pain that such a loss brings.

However, other options for recovery may be available to a family after a work-related car accident. One option is for the family to hold negligent drivers responsible through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.