A woman was killed in New York’s Dutchess County after a sport utility vehicle struck her. Police said the driver of the SUV fled the crash scene. She was later arrested.
Events leading up to the accident
The recent wreck in New York occurred at about 10 a.m. on a Saturday along Merritt Boulevard in Fishkill. Authorities said a 62-year-old woman’s SUV hit a 72-year-old woman. The driver then apparently left the scene without calling police about the crash.
A police officer and off-duty responder tried to revive the older woman before she was transported to a medical center, but she passed away due to her accident injuries. Police later found the woman who reportedly caused the crash and arrested her. She now faces a Class D felony charge of leaving a fatal crash scene. Reportedly, she left the accident without reporting it, and the New York State Police did not learn of the accident until about 40 minutes after it occurred.
How an attorney can help
The surviving loved ones of the deceased victim may choose to file a wrongful death claim against the arrested woman in a New York civil court, seeking the reimbursement of financial damages sustained as a result of the wreck. If the woman is convicted on her felony charge, proof of this conviction may be presented in civil court in an effort to establish her liability in the accident. A successfully litigated claim may lead to a financial damage award to cover burial costs and medical ex. Monetary damages may also help cover the loss of support for surviving dependents.