Driver Of Stolen Vehicle Kills One Person And Injures Another

Lever & Ecker, PLLC May 4, 2016 Car Accidents

A mother was killed and her husband seriously injured when they were struck by a car while walking on the sidewalk in Brooklyn, NY.

Suspects Are Still At Large

The chain of events which resulted in the death of an innocent pedestrians in danger of being hit by driver bystander began when the owner of the vehicle left the car with the keys still in the ignition while they stopped in a bodega. The police believe that at this time, two to three young men, possibly teenagers, used this opportunity to steal the vehicle. They then went for a joy-ride through Brooklyn.

At some point during this joy-ride, the driver of the Toyota ran a stop sign and struck a red sedan in an intersection. The force of the impact sent the Toyota up and over the sidewalk where it hit two pedestrians before crashing into a fence where it finally stopped. The driver and another suspect immediately got out of the damaged vehicle and ran.

According to witnesses, the injured woman was left lying on the sidewalk with blood coming from the ears and mouth. Someone called 911, but by the time help arrived it was already too late and she was pronounced dead. Her husband was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. The driver of the red sedan was also taken to the hospital for medical care.

The police have reported that they discovered empty beer cans and other forensic evidence that the suspects left in the stolen vehicle. They have also released pictures of the three men who are wanted for questioning in connection to the accident. The children of the woman who was killed are hoping it’s only a matter of time until those who are responsible for their mother’s death are caught and brought to justice.

What Will Happen When The Suspects Are Caught?

When the suspects who were inside of the stolen vehicle are caught, they will most likely be arrested and charged with criminal charges. In addition to this, the family members of the woman who was killed may choose to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit. Her husband may also file a second lawsuit for his own injuries.

What Is The Difference Between A Wrongful Death And A Personal Injury Lawsuit?

the outside of a courtroomA personal injury lawsuit is filed when a plaintiff believes that another party acted negligently and, as a result, the plaintiff was injured and suffered a loss. In these cases, the plaintiff is seeking compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.

Wrongful death lawsuits are filed by the family members or estate of someone who was killed as a result of another’s negligence. If the victim would have survived the accident which took their life, they would have been able to file their own personal injury lawsuit. Damages that can be awarded in these cases include lost inheritance for children, compensation for the services and support that the deceased provided for their family, benefits lost due to the death of the victim, any medical expenses required for treatment for the injuries which took the victim’s life, and emotional trauma experienced by the deceased before they passed.

How Much Are Pedestrian vs Car Cases Worth?

Because no two accidents are alike and the injuries and losses suffered by each victim can be vastly different, it is impossible to determine exactly how much a case may be worth. However, and experienced personal injury attorney can review your case and provide an estimate.

How Much Does It Cost To Work With An Attorney?

The attorneys at Lever & Ecker, PLLC work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay anything until we win your case. Then, any fees we collect will come directly out of the damages awarded to you. This fee will be determined when you agree to work with us so that there will be no surprises.

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