A Honda sedan crashed into a building in Ridgefield around 1:30 a.m. on July 24, killing one occupant of the vehicle and seriously injuring the driver and another passenger. All three victims were taken to the hospital where one passenger, a 20-year-old man, was declared dead.
The driver, a 20-year-old man from Fort Lee, New Jersey, was traveling in a northerly direction on Routes 1 and 9 when he apparently lost control of the vehicle. According to reports from the Ridgefield Police Department and the office of the Bergen County prosecutor, the car hit two signposts and then crossed onto the southbound side of the roadway, stopping only when it hit the building and leaving a collision scene spanning nearly 500 yards.
The accident was being investigated by officials from the Ridgefield Police Department as well as from the Bergen County prosecutor’s office. The investigation backed up traffic near Ridgefield Circle on Routes 1 and 9.
In a fatal car crash such as this, investigators generally will do everything they can to determine the cause, including thoroughly examining the vehicle and the scene, performing a crash reconstruction and questioning witnesses. If they find evidence indicating the driver was distracted, drunk, reckless or otherwise negligent, they may file charges.
Regardless of whether charges are filed, those who have been injured and the family of the deceased may file claims for compensation in civil court. A personal injury attorney can help victims and their families by reviewing the police reports and other evidence and advising them as to whether they have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim. The attorney can represent them in court or in settlement negotiations and may be able to help them obtain compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.
Source: CBS New York, “1 Dead, 2 Injured In Ridgefield Crash“, July 24, 2014