A fiery car crash took the life of one person and left a man critically injured in New York on March 11. The accident occurred in East Flatbush just after 3:30 a.m.
According to the New York Police Department, the driver of the car, a 26-year-old man, was traveling on Kings Highway when he apparently lost control of his vehicle and violently smashed into a street pole near Tilden Avenue. The force of the impact destroyed the vehicle and caused it to burst into flames. A passerby managed to put out the fire, and rescue crews extricated the driver and a 30-year-old passenger. They were transported to Kings County Hospital for emergency treatment.
Unfortunately, the passenger, who has not yet been identified, later died. The driver was listed in critical condition. A CCTV camera from a nearby house captured the crash on video. The footage, which shows intense flames shooting from the vehicle, was later posted on a social media app. Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash. Kings Highway has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. The road was closed for several hours as police investigated the crash scene and crews cleared the wreckage.
When negligent drivers cause serious car crashes, injured victims have the right to sue for damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering and lost wages. If a victim is killed, his or her next of kin have the option of filing a wrongful death lawsuit to recover funeral and burial costs, loss of income, loss of companionship and other related damages. A personal injury lawyer could review either type of case and help prepare a legal claim.
Source: NBC New York, “Car Obliterated in Fiery Brooklyn Light Pole Crash; 1 Dead, 1 Hospitalized in Critical Condition: Officials“, Tracie Strahan, March 11, 2019