1 dead, 3 injured after car accident in New York

An out-of-state man is dead, and three teenagers have been injured following a serious crash in Allegany County the night of May 18, according to local sources. New York State Police have reported that the single-car accident occurred sometime around 8:45 p.m. So far, they have not filed charges against the driver involved in the crash. 

The accident report contends that the 19-year-old female driver drifted off the road while traveling southbound on Route 19. The car struck a guardrail, causing the vehicle to slide sideways across the road. The car then struck a tree with enough force to kill the 39-year-old passenger in the front seat. 

The driver as well as two other passengers, both aged 19, were taken to a local hospital for treatment after suffering injuries of unknown severity. State police are still in the process of investigating the accident and have not yet commented on what they believe to be the cause of the vehicle drift. They have not ruled out recklessness, negligence or intoxication as possible causes, but they have also not filed any charges against the driver. 

As the New York State Police investigation continues, it is hoped the cause of the car accident will be isolated and determined. If it turns out the driver contributed materially to the accident that killed one passenger and injured two others, she could find herself facing criminal charges. In addition, the family of the deceased man as well as the other two passengers will be entitled to file wrongful death and personal injury suits against her in a civil court regardless of whether criminal charges are filed. 

Source: wivb.com, “PA man killed, 3 Allegany County teens injured in car crash“, Evan Anstey, May 19, 2016