Lives lost in preventable crashes are understandably traumatic experiences for the surviving family members. However, when children are killed in car accidents, it is usually even worse. On a recent Thursday, two children died after a pickup truck smashed into the rear of a minivan in upstate New York.
According to state police, the accident occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on the New York State Thruway. According to a preliminary accident report, two children, ages 11 and 9, were sitting in a westbound minivan’s rear seat. A lane closure caused the driver of the minivan to reduced speed. Another driver in a pickup truck did not slow down and struck the rear of the van. The collision’s impact pushed the van into another vehicle, forcing it into the back of a big rig.
The report indicates that although the two children wore seat belts, they were killed on impact. The minivan driver and a passenger in the front seat were severely injured. They were both airlifted to a medical facility. The third vehicle’s driver was transported to another hospital for treatment of injuries not considered life-threatening. The pickup truck driver suffered minor injuries and received treatment at the crash scene.
The pickup truck driver might face wrongful death and personal injury claims in a New York civil court. The two minivan survivors will be entitled to pursue such claims for their financial and other losses. Similarly, the parents of the deceased children can file wrongful death claims. The injured driver of the third vehicle might also have grounds to pursue financial relief. Navigating civil lawsuits after car accidents can be challenging, but an experienced attorney’s support and guidance can simplify the process.