Wrong-way automobile collisions seem like the most senseless kind of accident. Why is one car traveling in the wrong direction when separate lanes are clearly marked? Alcohol is, unfortunately, the most common reason.
This fact was demonstrated in a two-car collision in Jericho just before 10:30 p.m. on a recent night.
The accident
According to Nassau County police, the accident occurred on North Broadway in Jericho. A Dodge Ram pickup truck was travelling south in the northbound lane on Broadway when it struck an Alfa Romeo carrying four teenagers heading north.
Two of the boys in the sedan were riding in the back seat died at the scene. The driver and another teen-aged passenger were taken to a local hospital with internal injuries.
After colliding with the truck, the Alfa Romeo hit another vehicle carrying a 49-year-old woman and a 16-year-old boy. Both were treated and released.
The four boys were reportedly outstanding tennis players, and they were on their way home after a dinner to celebrate a recent tournament win.
Alcohol alleged to be a factor
According to local prosecutors, the driver of the pickup truck was drunk at the time of the collision. He tried to run from the scene but was found hiding in a nearby parking lot. He now faces charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, DWI and assault.
Prosecutors said that the driver of the pickup truck was determined to have a blood alcohol count of 0.18%, more than twice the legal limit of 0.08%. According to police, the suspect also had a prior DWI arrest.
Conclusion
The families of the two dead youths have solid claims for wrongful death damages against the driver of the pickup truck. These claims could involve medical and funeral expenses and loss of future companionship.
The injuries of the other two boys were not described in the media reports, but their injuries were in all likelihood not trivial, and they may have sound claims for personal injury damages including medical expenses, temporary and permanent disability, and loss of future income.