A fatal truck accident in New York City has led to criminal charges against the driver. The victim, 29-year-old Heather Lough, was walking to work on April 27th when she was struck by a truck driven by 45-year-old Robert Owens. She was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition and later died from her injuries.
The commercial box truck was travelling just outside the Mosholu Gate of The New York Botanical Garden (where the victim worked) when it ran right into Lough. She was struck by the right front bumper and immediately fell to the ground. Indeed, at least one eyewitness said they saw the driver of the truck using his phone seconds before the crash.
NYPD officers investigating this fatal truck accident in New York charged the driver with reckless driving and failure to yield under New York’s Right of Way law. Both crimes are misdemeanors and hold light sentences but victim’s advocates say it’s gratifying to see the New York District Attorney’s office pursue cases against dangerous drivers–something it doesn’t always do.
A memorial web page set up in honor of the victim stated that Lough (who was walking her bike at the time of the accident) “did everything right” including wearing a helmet and crossing where allowed yet she was still struck and killed.
Regardless of the outcome of the criminal proceedings, Lough’s surviving family members, under New York law, can institute a civil lawsuit against the driver, driver’s employer and owner of the box truck. Negligent drivers can be held liable for injuries, unpaid medical expenses and lost income, past, present and future resulting from truck accidents in New York as well as lost financial support for dependents of the victim.
If you have been injured by a distracted or otherwise negligent driver or have lost a loved one in a similar accident, an experienced New York City truck accident attorney can help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 today.