Family of woman left to die may pursue wrongful death claim

Recently in New York, a man crashed his car and allegedly left his passenger to die in the vehicle while he fled the scene. This tragic incident is said to have occurred Friday, Oct. 13. The victim’s family may, according to state laws, be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim in an effort to seek compensation for this unimaginable loss.

According to a report from a national news outlet, emergency response crews were called the scene of a fiery crash that occurred on the Gowanus Expressway. When they arrived, the driver of the car was nowhere to be seen and a passenger — a 25-year-old woman — was found deceased in the automobile. Investigators say that it appeared that the driver lost control of the vehicle and struck a concrete barrier.

Video from a witness allegedly shows the driver — a 23-year-old male — exiting the vehicle and hailing a cab. He was later located at an area hospital where he was receiving treatment for burns. He was arrested after his release from the hospital and has been charged with manslaughter, leaving the accident scene, speeding and a number of other charges.

When a loved one dies in such a heartless and negligent manner, family members have every right to feel angry and upset. They also may have every right to pursue damages for any recoverable losses. While nothing can bring back the life that was so tragically lost, by pursuing a wrongful death and any other applicable claims in a New York civil court, the victim’s loved one’s may achieve monetary relief and even a small sense of justice if litigation proves successful.

Source: People, “Passenger in Fiery N.Y.C. Crash Burned to Death After Driver Allegedly Abandoned Her and Hailed a Taxi“, Harriet Sokmensuer, Oct. 16, 2017