Otsego County was the site of a serious car crash that left one woman dead, according to local sources. The car accident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. on April 16, was attended by New York State Troopers as well as emergency services. An investigation is ongoing as of this writing.
The accident report states that a vehicle was carrying two women, aged 20 and 22 respectively, who were visiting from out of state and were leaving Niagara Falls when the accident occurred. For reasons that have yet to be determined, the 20-year-old driver drifted from the road, striking a guard rail and launching the car into the air. The car landed on its passenger side in a stream.
The driver was declared dead on the scene by arriving medical personnel, and the passenger suffered injuries including a broken leg. She was taken to a local hospital for treatment. As of this report, it is unclear what caused the driver to lose control of her vehicle, but it is presumed that a standard investigation, including a toxicology scan of the driver, will take place.
Should it become clear through the course of the New York State police investigation that the driver was directly or indirectly responsible for the car accident, the injured woman may choose to seek damages from the deceased woman’s family or representation. A personal injury lawsuit filed in a civil court could be directed at the driver’s estate and any other parties with ownership interest in the vehicle involved. However, compelling evidence of negligence on the part of the driver would be required if damages were to be paid out in such a case.
Source: wbng.com, “State police: Woman dies in Otsego County car crash”, Anna Norris and Rebecca Bowyer, April 17, 2015