1 person dead, another injured in New York car accident

Two pedestrians were struck by a car on the evening of Dec. 1, local sources have confirmed. The car accident killed one of the two women and sent the other to a hospital in critical condition. New York authorities are still investigating the car accident, but they have said they do not believe alcohol or high speed were factors. As of this writing, no charges have been filed against the driver involved. 

The two women were apparently walking on the shoulder of Route 197 when the accident happened. The vehicle driven by a 58-year-old man was attempting to pass another vehicle in a legal passing area when he struck the two women from behind. Both women were critically injured in the collision and were rushed to a local hospital when medical and emergency personnel arrived on the scene. 

One of the two women, a 38-year-old mother of three, was pronounced dead of her injuries later that day. The other woman, a 40-year-old, had sustained multiple injuries including broken bones but apparently was in stable condition as of this report and is expected to recover. The driver of the car was unhurt in the crash. 

It will take some time for New York police to determine whether the driver should face criminal charges for the fatal car accident. If it is determined that he could reasonably have avoided the collision, it is possible he will be charged with a crime. Separately, the injured woman and the family of the deceased will be entitled under New York law to file civil suits against the man and any other owners of the vehicle involved in the accident. Wrongful death and personal injury suits are considered civil matters and are handled in the appropriate state or federal court. 

Source: poststar.com, “One dead, one seriously hurt in Argyle accident“, Don Lehman, Dec. 2, 2014