Multi-car accident injures teen in New York

A driver traveling the wrong way on an interstate roadway is now facing criminal charges. New York police arrested the 38-year-old man. He stands accused of causing a car accident that seriously injured a 14-year-old passenger. The man is believed to have been drunk at the time of the accident.

According to the accident report, the crash involved three vehicles on Interstate 787 in Albany. On the night of Dec. 23, the accused man was traveling north in the southbound lanes of the interstate. The first vehicle he struck was operated by a 61-year-old woman, whose condition is unknown at this time. His vehicle then continued on northbound.

He then struck a second vehicle, driven by a 38-year-old woman and carrying the teenager. The passenger had to be extricated from the rear of the vehicle due to the damage caused by the crash. He was rushed to a medical center in Albany where emergency surgery was performed. The teen is now listed as being in stable condition. The condition of the driver is unknown.

The man responsible for the car accident has been charged with drunk driving, vehicular assault and reckless endangerment. He has been arraigned and is currently in police custody awaiting trial. Under New York law, all injured parties are entitled to file personal injury lawsuits against him, apart from his criminal charges. However, these claims are handled in civil court, though a criminal conviction related to a motor vehicle accident often goes a long ways toward establishing financial liability in a personal injury claim. 

Source: news10.com, “Police: Man charged with DWI after multi-car crash sends teen to hospital“, Dec. 24, 2016