A tragic hit-and-run crash in Cohoes has resulted in the death of a 93-year-old pedestrian and serious criminal charges for a 19-year-old driver from Troy. The incident occurred on August 18 around 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of Congress and Newark streets, when the elderly victim was struck by a vehicle and then allegedly run over again as the driver attempted to flee the scene.
According to police reports, witnesses at the scene told the driver to stop, but he continued his attempt to leave, backing over the victim's body in the process. The driver then abandoned his vehicle in the area of Dove and Elm streets before fleeing on foot. Law enforcement officers located and arrested him at his residence. He has since been indicted on charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, pleading not guilty to all charges. You can read the original news report here.
Common Causes of Pedestrian Hit-and-Run Accidents
Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents can occur for various reasons, with several common contributing factors:
- Driver distraction - Cell phone use, eating, adjusting radio, or other activities that take attention away from the road
- Impaired driving - Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications
- Speeding or reckless driving - Excessive speed that reduces reaction time and increases accident severity
- Poor visibility conditions - Dawn, dusk, nighttime, or weather conditions that make pedestrians harder to see
- Failure to yield right-of-way - Not stopping at crosswalks or failing to yield to pedestrians in designated areas
- Driver inexperience - Young or inexperienced drivers who may not recognize pedestrian hazards
- Vehicle maintenance issues - Faulty brakes, worn tires, or other mechanical problems that contribute to accidents
- Panic and fear of consequences - Drivers who flee the scene due to fear of legal repercussions, outstanding warrants, or lack of insurance
When negligence on behalf of a driver, municipality, or other responsible party contributes to a pedestrian accident, victims and their families may be entitled to seek legal compensation for their injuries and losses.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Claims in Cohoes and Albany County
Pedestrian hit-and-run accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the vulnerability of pedestrians against motor vehicles. In cases like this tragic incident in Cohoes, families may have grounds for wrongful death claims when a loved one is killed due to another party's negligence or criminal conduct. Our experienced legal team has handled numerous cases involving pedestrian accidents throughout New York State.
Potential liable parties in pedestrian hit-and-run cases may include the negligent driver, vehicle owners (if different from the driver), employers (in cases involving commercial vehicles), municipalities (for dangerous road conditions or inadequate traffic controls), and in some cases, establishments that over-served alcohol to impaired drivers. Possible compensation can include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost wages and future earnings, pain and suffering experienced before death, and loss of companionship for surviving family members.
Damages and Compensation in Hit-and-Run Cases
In pedestrian accident cases, victims and their families may be entitled to various types of compensation designed to address both immediate and long-term consequences of the tragedy.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses such as medical bills, emergency room treatment, ambulance costs, funeral and burial expenses, lost wages, and future earning capacity. These damages are typically easier to calculate as they involve specific dollar amounts and documented expenses.
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that don't have a specific monetary value, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and loss of consortium for spouses. In wrongful death cases, these damages recognize the profound impact of losing a loved one.
Punitive damages may be awarded in cases involving particularly egregious conduct, such as hit-and-run accidents, to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar behavior. The calculation of compensation depends on various factors including the severity of injuries, the victim's age and health, earning capacity, and the degree of negligence involved. Evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and expert testimony helps establish the full extent of damages. The primary purpose of compensation is to restore victims and families to their pre-accident position as much as possible, while also holding responsible parties accountable and deterring future negligent conduct. For more information about how we've helped other families, visit our case results page.
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Why Choose Porter Law Group?
The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by tragic pedestrian accidents and wrongful death cases. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout New York State, and we are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.
Our clients come to us during their darkest hours, looking for guidance, answers, and justice. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases against insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve. We understand that no amount of money can bring back a loved one, but we fight tirelessly to ensure that families receive the financial support they need and that responsible parties are held accountable.
You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results. When you or your family's life has been devastated by a serious personal injury or wrongful death in New York, don't hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.
Contact A Hit-and-Run Accident Lawyer in New York
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a hit-and-run accident in New York, don't hesitate to reach out to the skilled legal team at The Porter Law Group. We offer free initial consultations and are ready to guide you through the complex legal process while you focus on healing and grieving. Time is critical in hit-and-run cases, as evidence can disappear and witnesses' memories can fade.
Our compassionate attorneys serve clients across all of New York State and understand the unique challenges that hit-and-run victims and their families face. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for your case.
Call us today at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com for your free consultation. You can also reach out through our contact form. Let us put our knowledge, resources, and dedication to work for you and your family during this difficult time.
