1 dead, 1 injured in New York car accident

A vehicle crash on Grand Central Parkway in Queens has claimed one life and sent a second person to the hospital, local news sources have reported. The single-car accident is still under investigation by New York police. It appears at this time that speed may have played a role in the crash, but officials have not officially named this as the cause. 

Around 8:30 p.m. on the night of Dec. 3, an unknown individual was driving his SUV eastbound through the exit onto Upton Turnpike when it appears he lost control of his vehicle. The SUV mounted the sidewalk before smashing into a concrete block wall beneath the overpass. The force of the impact caused the vehicle to catch fire. 

The driver was killed in the impact, but the passenger, an unknown individual, was thrown clear of the blaze. He was apparently rushed to a local hospital and was listed as being in critical condition as of this report. Police are unsure whether any other factors including intoxication contributed to the accident, but their investigation continues, and they hope to have an answer for the public soon. 

Regardless of the cause of the car accident, New York authorities cannot file posthumous criminal charges against the driver. However, the passenger will be entitled under state law to file a personal injury lawsuit against the driver’s estate and anyone else with ownership interest in the vehicle. Such a suit is filed in civil court and uses police evidence of recklessness or any other factor to prove material contribution to the court. 

Source: ny1.com, “Fatal Accident on Grand Central Parkway in Queens Kills Driver, Sends Passenger to Hospital“, Dec. 4, 2016