Queens Driver Hits Pedestrian After Being Shot in the Head: Who Is to Blame?
Vehicles may veer off the road and into pedestrians for various reasons. Unfortunately, a growing concern in Queens is gun violence – and bullets can certainly spark major car accidents in Forest Hills. A recent incident shows just how dangerous these incidents can be – and the potential for gunfire to indirectly harm pedestrians. Who is to blame when a driver crashes after being shot?
Driver Killed by Apparent Crossfire Before Crashing in Queens
In September of 2024, Fox News reported that an elderly driver had been struck by gunfire while driving in Queens. At least one bullet struck him in the head, causing him to veer off the road and onto the sidewalk. The vehicle then struck a young woman before impacting the side of a building and coming to a rest. While the woman was hospitalized after this incident, her condition later stabilized. The driver of the minivan died shortly after being hit in the head by the stray bullet.
Police did their best to piece together the scene, but there are still many unanswered questions. One local business owner offered insights, claiming that his Popeye’s Chicken franchise had been plagued by “afterschool fights.” He also stated that a group of teens were responsible for the gun violence, and that this was the first time they had brandished a firearm during their altercations.
It seems as though the minivan driver was struck by crossfire when one individual discharged a weapon at a rival group of teens. That being said, the NYPD has not yet concluded their investigation – and they have not announced any arrests.
Who Is Responsible for the Woman’s Medical Bills?
The real question is simple: Who will pay the woman’s hospital bills? If she was struck by a fast-moving vehicle with a deceased individual at the driver’s seat, one can assume that she suffered somewhat serious injuries. However, it may not be “fair” to blame the crash on the driver. After all, he was shot in the head with absolutely no control over the situation.
It may also be challenging to hold the teens accountable for causing this crash – even though they represent the obvious party to name as defendants. First of all, the individual who fired the weapon has not yet been apprehended. Secondly, they are teenagers – and their families may have limited resources to cover the injured pedestrian’s damages.
An experienced injury attorney may be able to help injured plaintiffs consider less obvious defendants in situations like this. For example, one might hold the restaurant owner accountable for negligent security – especially if he became aware of these teenage brawls prior to the crash and yet did nothing about it.
How Can an Auto Accident Lawyer in Forest Hills Help Me?
If you need help answering difficult questions about liability after Forest Hills car crashes, consider speaking with a New York auto accident lawyer at Cohan Law, PLLC. After many years of serving injured plaintiffs in New York, we have seen virtually every type of accident imaginable. Determining liability isn’t always easy – but you’re not alone on the legal path ahead. Reach out today to discuss your unique situation in more detail.
Source:
fox5ny.com/news/queens-driver-shot-head-crashes-pedestrian-nypd
