A Lyft driver was killed in an early morning accident in Queens. The 47-year-old man was driving in the southbound lane of Fresh Pond Road when his Toyota Rave 4 was struck in the Eliot Avenue intersection by a 2014 Ford Explorer. He was taken to Wycoff Heights Medical Center where he died from his injuries. His 20-year-old passenger was taken to Elmhurst Hospital with minor injuries.
“He was just a loving family guy. He took care of of everybody’s children — took care of my children, took care of everyone’s children. He was just great,” said the victim’s sister. “This drunk driving has to stop. I’ve seen so many cases like this.”
The driver of the Ford Explorer, a 22-year-old man, was taken to Elmhurst Hospital for evaluation. At the hospital, he was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving with his ability impaired by alcohol, driving without a license and driving a vehicle that lacked both insurance and an inspection certificate. He is expected to be arraigned in Queens Criminal Court.
In New York City, victims have rights
When a person suffers serious injuries in a car accident, overcoming physical injuries is only one part of the long journey back to normal. They are also likely to face financial challenges, such as medical debt and lost wages, and emotional issues, like mental trauma.
Facing any of these issues individually would be a challenge but facing them all at once can be overwhelming. Thankfully, New York State creates a cause of action for those injured in a car accident because of negligence. With the help of an experienced car accident attorney, they can file a personal injury lawsuit against those responsible. If the suit is successful, they may be granted significant financial compensation.
Residents of New York City should act quickly, the State imposes a three-year statute of limitations on all personal injury lawsuits. Failure to act promptly could mean permanently forfeiting the right to legal recourse.
