A recent car crash in New York resulted in a child suffering injuries and a man being arrested. This incident occurred Nov. 21, in Whitehall. When car accidents happen, victims may be entitled to seek relief for their losses. In this particular case, the parents or guardians of the injured child may pursue compensation through legal means.
According to reports, a 36-year-old male got into his mother’s automobile, without her permission. He put an 8-year-old child on his lap and allowed the child to steer the car while he pushed the pedals. It is unclear how far to they got before the vehicle struck a tree. The child was seriously hurt, suffering head injuries, several fractures and a punctured lung. The child was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
After the collision, the adult fled the scene, leaving the injured child behind. Police located the man at a hospital the next day and placed him under arrest. The charges filed in this case include unauthorized use of an automobile, vehicular assault, causing an accident with severe personal injury and leaving an accident scene. Police have failed to release information regarding the relationship between the victim and the accused.
Children and car accidents do not mix. There is a reason children are to be restrained properly. Sadly, this child was not and is now suffering because of it. Per the laws of New York, the victim, along with his or her parents or guardians may seek damages by filing civil claims against the driver believed responsible for the incident. While there are still a lot of unknowns in this case, such as whether the mother actually did withhold permission for her son to use her car, a monetary judgment may be awarded upon proof that the driver was negligent in his actions.
Source: tulsaworld.com, “Police: 8-year-old seriously hurt in car wreck after New York man lets him sit on his lap and steer“, Nov. 24, 2017
