Poor weather conditions were partially at fault for several accidents in the New York area on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014. One accident involved eleven cars and resulted in at least one injury. The car accident occurred on the Staten Island Expressway.
According to officials, the accident happened around 9 a.m. on the morning of Jan. 5. The incident caused the freeway to be closed until the afternoon. The closure affected the road between Fingerboard Road and Hyland.
At least one person sustained injuries in the accident. The extent of injuries was unreported, although authorities did say the individual was routed to the Staten Island Hospital for treatment.
According to authorities, freezing rain may have played a role in the accident. The weather is also being cited for causing several other accidents, including a minor incident with a plane at a local airport. When adverse weather is involved in a vehicle accident, it can be difficult to pinpoint whether driver negligence or action was also a cause. This is especially true in multiple car accidents, where numerous activities may have been at play prior to the accident.
An investigation of an accident is required to determine fault and cite drivers appropriately. Such information can also be used to determine whether personal injury cases can be filed on behalf of injured drivers or passengers. When someone is injured do the action or inactivity of another driver, then that person has the right to seek compensation for things like medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damages and lost wages. This is true even when there is not criminal charge or traffic citation in the case.
Source: NBC New York, “11-Car Accident Closes Section of Staten Island Expressway” No author given, Jan. 06, 2014