Car accident in New York kills girl, 12

Long Island was the site of tragedy the morning of Feb. 1. A 12-year-old girl attempting to cross a road was struck and killed by a passing car. No charges have yet been filed pertaining to this car accident, but New York police are continuing to investigate as of this report. 

Around 7:30 a.m., the girl made an attempt to cross the road near an intersection when an SUV struck her in the middle of the street. She was on the way to a local high school at the time of the crash. Authorities say she was rushed to a local hospital, where she was later declared dead. 

The driver is said to have remained at the scene and cooperated with first responders and later the police. New York authorities have not pressed charges at this time, as they said they do not believe any criminality was involved in this case. However, they are continuing their investigation regardless, citing the fact that they could not be certain the vehicle was not speeding at the time of the crash. 

If New York police do determine the individual driving the vehicle involved in the car accident was speeding at the time of the collision, they may choose to file criminal charges against that person. However, the family of the deceased girl still have the option of pursuing a wrongful death case in civil court. Even if police do not file charges, any evidence of negligence or recklessness on the part of the driver can be used to support claims for financial relief in civil court. 

Source: New York Post, “Girl killed in car accident one block from her school“, Daniel Prendergast, Feb. 1, 2016