Multiple motor vehicle accidents happen in New York and elsewhere every day. Many of these accidents are entirely preventable, were it not for driver negligence. Sadly, many families will receive calls today, tomorrow or later, informing them that they have lost loved ones in fatal collisions.
One such incident occurred on a recent Wednesday evening in Verona. A collision involving two vehicles took place near an intersection. The roadway was closed to traffic for several hours afterward. Sadly, rescuers pronounced one of the drivers dead at the scene.
Determining the exact cause of a fatal collision can take time
Crash investigators often work for days or weeks to determine exactly who or what may have caused a particular fatal crash to occur. Investigators often discover that one of the drivers was distracted at the wheel or was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Falling asleep while driving is another common cause in such cases.
Helping New York families recover after losing loved ones in fatal collisions
In addition to the raw grief associated with fatal collisions, families are often left financially destitute when such tragedies occur. This is especially true in cases where a decedent was the primary breadwinner in a household. State law allows an immediate family member to file a wrongful death claim in civil court to seek justice on behalf of a fatally injured loved one. While grief over a loved one’s death is lasting, obtaining financial recovery for damages may, at least, help a grieving family offset funeral expenses and other financial distress associated with a loved one’s death.