Here in New York City, we often think of our police force and the admirable efforts they made with our fire department on 9/11 to save people’s lives. Our officers lay their lives on the line every day for our protection, which makes the tragic loss of an officer outside the line of duty bleak. In a recent car accident, an off duty New York City policeman was tragically killed.
The officer was only 25-years-old and had only been on the force for a few years. He was driving on the Southern State Parkway when he was rear ended by another car. The driver of that car was a 20-year-old man who had allegedly hit another vehicle as well. Officers on the scene say that the off duty officer was pronounced dead at the scene. He had a passenger in the car with him, a 30-year-old woman who was reportedly injured, but the injuries were not life threatening.
The driver responsible for the accident was reportedly under the influence of alcohol. The man who allegedly caused the fatal car crash was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter and others. The driver of the third vehicle involved was treated for minor injuries and reportedly released.
While New York City police mourn the loss of one of their own, the man’s family is mourning the loss as well. His family may want to consider retaining a personal injury attorney in order to potentially file a claim against the driver that caused this fatal car crash. Compensation in fatal accidents can help offset medical and funeral expenses as well as any lost wages to the household income.
An experienced attorney may be able to help the grieving family of the officer in getting some financial compensation for the tragic loss of their loved one. This officer and anyone else involved in a car accident should not have to suffer undue heartbreak because of the lack of judgment and fault of another person.
Source: WSJ, “Long Island crash claims life of off-duty NYC cop,” Sept. 11, 2011