Woman receives jail sentence for fatal New York City car accident

More than a year ago, a 27-year-old man was killed while riding his motorcycle in New York City. Now, the woman who struck and killed him has been sentenced. The accident happened along the West Side Highway. According to reports, the woman left the scene of the fatal car crash, but turned herself into police three hours later.

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The woman pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident, and has been sentenced to 60 days in jail. She will also serve three years of probation for the crime. According to the news source, the woman was given a lighter sentence because she was not speeding or drinking at the time of the crash, and stopped at the scene of the accident for a short time. Leaving the scene of an accident is a misdemeanor charge. The 27-year-old man who was killed in the accident was a hedge-fund executive. His family has not asked for felony charges to be brought against the woman. In addition to the 60 day jail sentence, the woman may also face a wrongful death lawsuit. From the criminal charges, it appears the driver did act negligently, and the family of the victim may be able to collect compensation for their tragic loss. People who drive recklessly and cause harm to others should be held accountable for their actions in every aspect of the law. Although no amount of money can make up for their loss, the family may find comfort in knowing they have some form of recourse. Source: The Wall Street Journal, “NYC woman gets 60 day sentence in fatal hit-run,” Jan. 4, 2011