03/14/2011 // New York City, NY, USA // New York City Accident Lawyer // Jonathan C. Reiter
New York – (New York City Personal Injury Attorney News) On Saturday, February 5, 2011, an 80-year-old woman from Brooklyn, New York was struck by a drunk driver and subsequently killed, as reported by the New York Daily News. The driver crashed into Maria Prikul and her caregiver at approximately 10:15 a.m., near Bath Ave. and 18th Ave., according to police. The driver of the van, Mario Vasquez, reportedly dragged Prikul one block down the street before a witness stopped the driver.
Bystanders to the accident attempted to aid the woman, who was trapped under the vehicle, by lifting the Chevrolet van that she was pinned under as Emergency Medical Services crews pulled her clear of the wheels. She and her aide were transported to the hospital, where Prikul was pronounced dead. CBS 2: New York reported the woman’s aid suffered minor injuries.
Prikul lived alone in a senior housing complex in Bath Beach. Neighbors reported her husband died several years ago, and lamented with statements such as, “She was a great person. It’s sad.”
Vasquez, 52, also of Brooklyn, faces charges of driving while intoxicated, driving without a license, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and vehicular manslaughter.
In 2009, 256 traffic-related fatalities occurred, an all time low, according to the Department of Transportation. According to DOT reports released Monday, February 7, 2011, traffic-related deaths rose 5 percent to 269. In 2008, the DOT launched a citywide Safe Streets for Seniors initiative, which resulted in major safety improvements to 10 senior areas within the city.
*Leading Manhattan auto accident attorney Jonathan C. Reiter states if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a car crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Located in the Empire State Building, with more than thirty years of experience litigating the multifaceted claims of vehicular accident victims and their families, contacting New York City injury lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter with regard to your particular personal injury or wrongful death case may help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
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