Many municipal workers face death and injury as an everyday part of their jobs on Brooklyn’s busy streets. As rewarding and accomplished as the job may be, it is certainly not without danger. These hazards were demonstrated on July 7 when a Department of Environmental Protection employee was struck and killed by a driver who has since been charged with several serious traffic offenses.
The incident
A city-owned vehicle was traveling on Atlantic Avenue in Richmond Hill; it was occupied by the driver and one passenger. A Mercedes Benz sedan traveling on Lefferts Boulevard struck the city vehicle, causing it to flip onto its side and eject the passenger. The passenger was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital. The driver of the city vehicle was checked by EMT personnel at the scene and pronounced free from serious injury. The driver of the Mercedes was also hospitalized.
Traffic violations
Police said that the driver of the Mercedes was charged with vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol count above the legal limit of 0.08.
Seeking damages
The driver of the Mercedes appears to bear the heaviest burden of fault for this accident. The family of the man who passed away as a result of the accident has a persuasive claim for wrongful death damages against the driver of the Mercedes. An experienced accident attorney can help anyone seeking damages under similar circumstances. It is always important to have the proper support and expertise so that you understand what you are dealing with and so that you are able to protect your rights at the same time.