It’s not uncommon for New York City’s streets to be packed with motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. While most New Yorker’s have an increased awareness of pedestrians because of this fact, others still act in ways that constitute negligence. They could be distracted, drunk or inattentive while behind the wheel. This negligence can result in a pedestrian accident that has serious ramifications, including serious injury and death.
This was the unfortunate reality for one New Yorker. Recently, a 28-year-old law clerk was struck by a charter bus as she was crossing the street within a crosswalk. The woman later died from her injuries suffered in this pedestrian accident. The bus driver was charged with a misdemeanor traffic offense, but the outcome of this criminal charge will have very little, if any, impact on the deceased woman’s family who now have to deal with the losses that have been unfairly thrust upon them.
The damages that accompany an unexpected death like this can be overwhelming for surviving family members. The emotional pain and suffering can be enormous, but the financial damages can be devastating, too. Funeral costs and medical expenses can quickly accumulate, and lost wages may leave a family struggling to get by, especially when, as seems to be the case here, the deceased individual had a lot of earning potential.
Fortunately, those who lose a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence can seek financial relief by pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit. If successful, compensation may be recovered for a wide variety of damages, including some that are noneconomic in nature. The process isn’t easy, though, especially when a family continues to grieve the loss of their loved one. This is why it imperative for these family members to consider seeking assistance from a legal professional who can help them build a strong wrongful death lawsuit.