The New York Police Department is searching for the driver of a Dodge Charger who authorities say is responsible for striking two Brooklyn pedestrians who were waiting at a bus stop.
One of the victims died after being hit. She was 20 years old. Another victim, a 23-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with leg injuries.
Police are blaming the accident on street racing. Three drivers were racing on an urban road at the time of the early morning accident. They were easily traveling over the posted speed limit.
The driver of the Charger apparently went off the road and plowed into the pedestrians at the bus stop.
Thus far, police have not been able to apprehend the driver who is responsible for the accident.
Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated legal matters
The families of fatal hit-and-run accidents will likely require compensation to cover outstanding medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and other costs. Likewise, the family may be entitled to non-economic losses.
Unfortunately, many hit-and-runs go unsolved despite the best efforts of law enforcement. In other cases, the driver may be caught but could have little or no insurance and no other means to pay.
What this means is that the family, probably with the help of legal counsel, may have to identify other potentially responsible parties. For example, in this case, the other two drivers who were racing arguably share some responsibility.
Depending on the victim’s insurance, the family may also be able to recover uninsured motorists benefits and no-fault benefits from the victim’s own insurance company. Insurance companies do not always like to pay the benefits, but the benefits can provide valuable compensation to grieving families.
Hit-and-run accidents can be complicated affairs for a family that is already going through the loss of a loved one. After a hit-and-run, a family will want to think about getting experienced legal help.