Tourist Killed by a Drunk Hit and Run Driver

In New York, a visiting tourist was killed after being hit by a drunk driver. The victim was 59-year-old F.W. from China who was visiting relatives in the area. According to the police, she was walking on a road in Potsdam on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. when the vehicle struck her. Rather than staying at the scene of the accident as is required by law, the driver fled the scene. Police, however, were able to track down the driver. Forty-four-year-old L.R. had driven her car home and parked in her garage. Her blood alcohol content was 0.21%, well over the legal limit of 0.08%.

As a result, L.R. was arrested, but was released after posting bail of $10,000. She has been charged with aggravated driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, vehicular manslaughter, conspiracy, and tampering with evidence. The passenger that was in her car with her at the time of the accident was 48-year-old S.C. He was also arrested and charged with tampering with evidence as well as conspiracy. They could both be facing jail time and heavy fines, depending on the outcome of the case.

There is more than just criminal charges, however, that could be brought against the two suspects. This is also a wrongful death case. Since the victim in this case is from outside the U.S., there could be complications regarding filing a wrongful death claim. If you lost a loved one in an accident where negligence was involved, it is important that you have a personal injury attorney on your side as these cases can be complicated. You can contact the team at Segal & Lax at any time in order to learn more about how we could help you. Call today!