It’s uncertain if distracted driving played a role in the death of an elderly woman or injury to her husband in a head-on accident that occurred at approximately 5:10 p.m. on Sunday, April 3, 2016 on U.S. Route 209.
The crash claimed the life of a 78-year-old woman from Hurley, who was riding in the passenger seat of the car being driven by her husband.
Deadly Head-On Collision: Was Negligence Involved?
The following is a list of the crash details and possible signs of negligence:
- Police report that a 39-year-old woman from Stone Ridge was headed northbound on Route 209 near Pine Tree Lane and crossed over into the southbound lane and hit head-on with the victim’s vehicle. If woman did cross a solid painted line in traffic, the victim’s husband may be able to bring a claim for damages for the wrongful death.
- Everyone involved in this crash was transported to HealthAlliance Hospital’s Broadway Campus in Kingston.
- The victim was pronounced dead upon arrival.
- Police didn’t report whether any of the vehicle occupants were wearing seat belts.
- At the time of the last news report, a police investigation was ongoing and no one had yet been charged with any wrongdoing.
- A witness to the crash, who is reportedly a member of the Woodstock Town Board, reported seeing the woman’s vehicle swerving and thinking, “I knew that something awful was going to happen, and I was right.”
Negligence & Car Accidents
Although the investigation into this crash is still underway, it’s possible that additional evidence may reveal that one of the following forms of driver negligence may have been involved:
- Distracted Driving – such as texting, chatting, or talking to passengers.
- Drunk or Drugged Driving – which can impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle under normal conditions.
- Reckless, Careless, or Aggressive Driving – which causes drivers to break traffic regulations.
- Drowsy Driving – which means driving while fatigued and can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) or drugs (DUID).
If negligence was involved in this crash, the surviving victim may be able to secure damages for (but not necessarily limited to):
- Wrongful Death – including funeral and burial expenses, as well as loss of consortium
- Personal Injury – including for medical bills related to any injuries the surviving victim suffered in this crash
- Pain and Suffering – compensation for any physical, mental, and emotional suffering
Contact Kingston Car Accident Attorney Charles N. Rock
Have you or someone you love been injured in a car accident that may have been caused by someone else’s negligence? If so, call a injury attorney, Charles N. Rock at (845) 383-1170 or by emailing us using the contact form on this page. To ensure that you have the legal support you need now, Attorney Charles N. Rock can meet you at your home or a hospital when needed.