2 women killed in New York car accident

Police have identified two out-of-state women who were tragically killed in a car crash in the midst of a snow storm on Interstate 95, according to local sources. New York State Police have ascertained the names of the 22-year-old and 61-year-old women who lost their lives after a relatively minor car accident. For the moment, it does not appear that anyone has been charged in connection with their deaths. 

The accident report confirms the women were traveling separately in their own vehicles on Feb. 1, when they were involved in a minor fender-bender apparently involving both of them. Both women had exited their vehicles and were standing beside them when a second crash occurred. Another driver apparently lost control of his or her vehicle and crashed into the parked cars, killing both women instantly. 

Police have attributed the crash at least partially to the inclement weather experienced by drivers on that stretch of I-95 that day. It is unclear whether the driver is being further investigated by authorities, but no formal charges have been filed so far. It appears the accident may still be under investigation, however. 

While inclement weather can be a factor in a car accident, it is still up to individual drivers to adjust their driving habits to slippery or low-visibility conditions. It is possible New York authorities may conclude the other driver may face criminal charges. However, if the evidence is sufficient to prove negligence, even if no criminal charges are filed, the families of the deceased women may rely on that evidence to pursue wrongful death lawsuits seeking monetary damages from the driver in a civil courtroom. 

Source: NBC Connecticut, “Police ID SCSU Student, Hartford Woman Killed in NY Crash“, Feb. 4, 2015