New York man dead after suspected drunk driving car accident

A man was crushed to death by a crashing car on June 24, and the accident has been blamed on an alleged drunk driver. New York authorities responded to the car accident that claimed the life of a 57-year-old Navy veteran who met his unfortunate end around 2 p.m. on the day in question. The car accident is still being investigated by police. 

According to the accident report, the man was sitting on a bench at Tompkinsville Park when the accident occurred. The driver of the SUV reportedly lost control of her vehicle after swerving to avoid another car. Her vehicle struck and crushed the veteran after the vehicle jumped the curb. Witnesses attempted to render aid to the man to no avail. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The driver of the SUV was charged with “driving while ability impaired,” a somewhat less serious charge than full-on drunk driving. She was taken into custody. No court date has been announced in her case as yet. The deceased man’s family has been notified of the tragedy. 

If the woman is found guilty of the criminal charges filed against her, she could face jail time. However,  even in the absence of a criminal conviction, the family of the deceased man still has the ability to seek justice. New York law allows families of car accident victims to file for wrongful death on behalf of their deceased family members in civil court. Evidence of negligence will be necessary for damages to be awarded. 

Source: New York Daily News, “Staten Island man dead after drunken driver struck him as he sat on bench“, Rocco Parascandola, Joe Stepansky, Laura Bult, Bill Hutchison, June 24, 2015