Alleged DWI driver causes pedestrian injury to 5 people

New York Police Department reported the arrest of a 34-year-old woman who caused mayhem on 34th Street on a recent Wednesday evening. The woman is now facing charges of DWI and leaving an accident scene, along with operating a vehicle unlawfully. According to witnesses, the convertible she drove was completely out of control as she raced down the street and caused pedestrian injury to several people.

The woman apparently rear ended an SUV, then reversed, then lurched forward and slammed into the rear of the same SUV again. Witnesses say she continued the wild ride and struck another vehicle before slamming head on into yet another. The impact reportedly sent the other car into a yellow cab. The convertible finally came to a halt when it left the road and plowed through pedestrians before smashing through a store window.

One pedestrian suffered severe injuries when the alleged drunk driver knocked her through the store window. A witness said the wreck had to be cut away to free the pedestrian. The fire department reported that five pedestrians were seriously injured and were transported to a hospital. Police reported that the driver and her passenger suffered only minor injuries.

The injured pedestrians are likely facing unexpected medical expenses and may pursue compensation. After any pedestrian injury that was caused by the negligent actions of another party, a victim retains the right to file a personal injury claim in a New York civil court. The court may award compensation for medical expenses, and, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the court may also award additional damages as allowed by state laws.

Source: New York Daily News, “Drunken driver goes on wild ride through 34th St., injuring 5 pedestrians and crashing Ford Mustang into Forever 21 store“, Kerry Burke and Joseph Stepansky, Dec. 11, 2014