Long Island Woman Dies in Hit-and-Run Accident

A fatal hit-and-run accident happens almost six times every day in the U.S. A 38-year older woman in North Babylon became the latest New York victim when an AutoZone delivery van struck two pedestrians and just kept going.

The van had pulled out of a company lot onto Deer Park Avenue when the accident occurred. The woman became caught under the vehicle and was dragged about a half-mile before rolling to the side of the road. The victim died at a nearby hospital, while the second victim was released after receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver finished his route and was arrested by police after he returned to the AutoZone business. He was charged with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Hit-and-Run Accidents Are Increasing

American drivers flee the scene of an accident more than 2,000 times a day, and that number is growing. Besides ever-increasing road traffic, today’s driver is increasingly distracted by cellphones and other electronics.

A European study found that most hit-and-run drivers are males under age 25 – of course, this reflects only those who were identified by being caught or by turning themselves into the authorities. The study of 853 offenders also found that 42% were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. This finding reflects the fact that many hit-and-run drivers are fearful of the consequences of driving under the influence and can only think of getting away.

Other common reasons that drivers leave the scene of an accident include lack of insurance, suspended license, stolen car, outstanding arrest warrant, and possessing multiple traffic tickets.

What To Do If You Are in a Hit-and-run Accident

· Remain at the scene. Don’t chase the hit-and-run driver.

· Call 911 to report the accident and any injuries. Accept emergency medical help at the scene as some serious injuries may not show obvious symptoms.

· Dictate into your cellphone or write down all the details about the accident, the car that hit you and the driver, and the direction it was headed. Ask your passengers for information.

· Find witnesses and take down their recollections as well as name and contact information.

· Take photos of the scene, your car, and your injuries.

· Share your findings with the police and with your insurance company.

· Ask nearby business owners or residents to check their security cameras.

· Visit your doctor for a thorough check.

· Maintain a journal about your pain and medical treatments, and how the accident has affected your daily life.

Importantly, discuss your options with a personal injury attorney experienced in hit-and-run accidents.

We Can Help If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you or a family member has been harmed by a defective product, car accident, truck accident, construction accident, slip and fall or any other type of personal injury, please contact StolzenbergCortelli, LLC Attorneys at Law immediately. Please call us for a free consultation at our locations in New York County, Rockland County, and Westchester County. Attorneys Howard Stolzenberg and Terrence James Cortelli, personal injury attorneys in White Plains, Nyack and New York City, will fight to secure justice for you and your family. You can reach us at (914) 361 – 4888 or contact us via the website.