An Upstate New York community was shocked by the events that caused the death of one high school student, and critical injuries to another teenager on a recent Saturday. Reportedly, the two were struck by a pickup truck on State Route 176. A police report indicates that the car accident occurred shortly after midnight while three teenagers were walking on the road’s shoulder.
The New York State Police say a third person accompanied a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy. No information about that person was provided, who reportedly suffered no injuries. According to the accident report, the pickup truck driver failed to remain at the accident scene and continued driving after striking the teenagers.
The 16-year-old girl died at the crash scene. The young man suffered critical injuries, and he was rushed to a medical facility. Troopers further reported that the driver who struck the teenagers is a 29-year-old man.
He and his vehicle were discovered soon after the accident. The driver was arrested and charged with leaving a crash scene where injuries and death occurred, second-degree vehicular assault and vehicular manslaughter. A misdemeanor drunk driving charge was added, although no information was provided about breath or blood tests.
The outcome of the criminal charges remains to be seen. Still, the fact that the hit-and-run driver who caused the car accident was arrested might simplify the typically challenging task of proving negligence. Furthermore, a New York attorney with experience advocating for car accident victims can provide support and guidance. The deceased girl’s parents can file a wrongful death claim, and the injured teenager can pursue financial relief by filing a personal injury claim. Successful presentation of the lawsuits will lead to recovery of documented claims for both families’ financial and emotional losses.