2 teens injured after New York car accident

A serious crash on New Year’s Day in Buffalo nearly claimed two lives, according to police. New York State authorities responded to the car accident that saw two teenagers struck by a driver believed to have been drunk at the time of the crash. The students were on foot at the time, and have not been identified publicly by police. 

According to the accident report released by police, the two teens were walking around 1:00 a.m. when a 31-year-old man reportedly struck a car and a pole. The force of the impact sent his car careening into the two teens, who both sustained injuries. The extent of their injuries is currently unknown, but it is hoped they will recover. 

The driver now faces charges of DWI, vehicular assault and other charges pertaining to the crash. As of this report, he is in police custody being held against $2,500 bail. No court date has been announced for him at this time. 

A car accident predicated by drunk driving is often regarded as even more tragic for its preventable nature. New York State takes a hard line against drunk driving and, if found guilty, the man will likely face serious jail time and, possibly, the loss of his license. Separately, the families of the injured teens are entitled under state law to file personal injury suits against him as well. Police evidence proving the man’s reckless behavior can be used to support suits of this type in civil court. The suits do not rely upon a criminal conviction, or even charges to be filed, in order to succeed. 

Source: wgrz.com, “Teens seriously injured in DWI accident“, Claudine Ewing, Jan. 2, 2017