
According to authorities, two individuals tragically lost their lives, and five others sustained injuries in a devastating car collision at a Brooklyn intersection on Monday. Emergency first responders arrived at the accident scene at 18th Avenue and 64th Street in Bensonhurst, where they found individuals requiring extrication from the twisted wreckage involving a Toyota Camry and a Honda HRV. Police stated that a 49-year-old man was driving the Camry southward when he collided with the SUV at the intersection.
The white car, which witnesses and authorities reported as speeding and weaving erratically, ran a red light at the intersection before the crash.
According to police, both vehicles then struck a 60-year-old female pedestrian during the collision, and the Camry subsequently hit another car.
The pedestrian and the 49-year-old SUV driver, both critically injured, were transported to Maimonides Medical Center but could not be saved.
Three other victims were also taken to Maimonides, with one in critical condition. The remaining two victims were admitted to NYU Langone in Brooklyn.
Law enforcement officials reported that the driver crashed directly into the side of a black car at the intersection. The driver of the black car and the pedestrian caught in the chaos both tragically passed away.
The driver of the speeding white Camry was taken into custody at the scene before being hospitalized. He has since been charged with manslaughter and operating a vehicle without a license.
Video footage from the scene displayed a white sedan entirely on the sidewalk with a severely damaged front grille. Debris was scattered across the area, which was marked off with yellow caution tape as onlookers gathered to observe the emergency response.
What to Do When You or a Loved One Have Been Harmed in an Accident
In New York, there is a time limit to file an accident injury or wrongful death claim. The New York statute of limitations for personal injury cases, which includes injuries caused by accidents or negligence, is generally three years from the date of the injury. This means that an individual has three years to file a lawsuit from the date the injury occurred.
For wrongful death lawsuits, the statute of limitations in New York is generally two years from the date of the deceased person’s death. This means that the decedent’s estate or family members have two years to file a lawsuit seeking damages for the wrongful death.
It is essential to keep these time limits in mind, as failure to file a lawsuit within the specified time frame can result in the loss of the right to pursue legal action and recover compensation for damages. If you believe you have a personal injury or wrongful death claim, it is recommended to consult one of our experienced attorneys as soon as possible to discuss your options and ensure that you meet the necessary deadlines.
Why Speaking to a Personal Injury Attorney As Quickly As Possible Helps Your Claim
Initiating your personal injury claim quickly is crucial for several reasons, including the preservation of evidence and witness testimony. Here are some key reasons why it is essential to begin the process as soon as possible:
- Preservation of evidence: Over time, physical evidence can be lost, destroyed, or deteriorate, making it difficult or impossible to use it in your case. Starting your claim early allows you to collect and secure important evidence that supports your claim, such as photographs of the accident scene, damaged property, and any visible injuries.
- Witness testimony: Witnesses’ memories can fade over time, and their recollection of the events surrounding the accident may become less accurate. By beginning your claim quickly, you can obtain witness statements while the details are still fresh in their minds. Additionally, witnesses might move or become difficult to locate as time passes, making it challenging to obtain their testimony later on.
- Medical documentation: Seeking medical treatment immediately after an accident not only ensures your well-being but also provides crucial evidence of your injuries. Medical records serve as essential documentation of the severity of your injuries, the required treatments, and the impact they have on your life. Delaying medical treatment may weaken your claim, as it could be argued that your injuries were not caused by the accident or were not as severe as you claim.
- Compliance with legal deadlines: As mentioned earlier, personal injury claims are subject to statutes of limitations, which set strict time limits for filing a lawsuit. Initiating your claim early helps to ensure that you meet these deadlines and preserves your right to pursue legal action and compensation.
- Stronger negotiation position: When you gather evidence and witness testimonies early on, you build a stronger case. This puts you in a better position to negotiate a fair settlement with the at-fault party or their insurance company.
Starting a personal injury claim promptly is vital for preserving evidence, obtaining accurate witness testimonies, securing medical documentation, complying with legal deadlines, and strengthening your negotiation position. To achieve the best possible outcome for your case, consult with one of our firm’s experienced personal injury attorneys as soon as possible following an accident.
If you or a member of your family has been harmed in an accident caused by a reckless driver, you might be eligible to receive financial restitution. It is important that you speak with one of our accident attorneys as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Parker Waichman LLP is a personal injury and wrongful death law firm, and we have the knowledge and resources necessary to represent you or you or your loved one effectively.
FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, CALL PARKER WAICHMAN LLP TODAY!
Keep in mind that the time you have to file a claim is restricted by law, so it is essential to speak with us as soon as possible. Call us today at 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to receive a free, confidential consultation. Our accident attorneys are here to listen to you, assess your case, and help you or your loved one receive just compensation.