1 dead, 1 hurt in New York car accident

A Yeshiva student is dead and another seriously injured following a tragic chain reaction crash in Suffern, according to local police. New York authorities responded to the Rockland County car accident that reportedly also involved an off-duty police officer. For the moment, no charges have been filed against anyone involved in the crash. 

According to the accident report, a vehicle driven by a 24-year-old police officer attempted to pass another car turning into a driveway. The officer sideswiped the other vehicle, sending his car into oncoming traffic. The other vehicle was struck with enough force to propel it into the driveway, where a number of students were gathered. 

Two of those students, a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old, were struck by the car. They were both rushed to local hospitals. The 17-year-old was later pronounced dead, while the 19-year-old remains in serious condition. Both drivers involved in the crash passed sobriety tests, but police are still investigating to determine whether speed was a factor in the crash. 

If New York police determine the off-duty officer was indeed speeding or otherwise operating his vehicle negligently at the time of the car accident, it is possible they may choose to file criminal charges against him. Even if no charges are filed, however, state law allows the family of the deceased student and the injured student to file wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits against the officer in civil court. Both claims would require evidence of negligence for a monetary judgment to be paid. 

Source: CBS New York, “Yeshiva Student Killed, Another Hurt In Suffern Chain Reaction Crash“, Glenn Schuck, Janelle Burrell, Sean Adams, Sept. 8, 2016