New York car accident injures 7 in Brooklyn

Police are in the process of investigating a multi-vehicle crash that sent seven people to the hospital in the East Flatbush region of Brooklyn during the afternoon of Dec. 12. New York authorities have apprehended the driver believed responsible for the car accident. It is unclear what charges he will face at this time. 

According to the accident report, the unknown driver apparently struck an unmarked police vehicle in an intersection before fleeing the scene in the car. Police pursued the vehicle, resulting in a short chase through Brooklyn. At some point, the driver lost control of the vehicle and smashed into seven vehicles and a pedestrian before attempting to flee on foot. The driver was quickly arrested. 

Seven people were injured in the crash, six of whom are considered to have minor injuries. The seventh, the pedestrian who was hit, suffered serious injuries, but medical authorities expect that individual to recover quickly. There is currently no court date set for the driver involved in the crash, pending determination of the charges he will face. 

It seems likely the driver will face considerable legal trouble in the wake of this car accident, particularly considering he fled the scene of an accident causing bodily harm. However, separate from any criminal charges, the injured parties have legal recourse under New York law. Each party may be entitled to file a personal injury suit against the driver. If they wish, they can offer police evidence from the criminal case to help plead their case in civil court. 

Source: CBS New York, “Seven Injured, One Seriously, In Brooklyn Crash“, Dec. 12, 2016