Tappan Zee Bridge Car Accident Fatality
The Tappan Zee Bridge was the scene of a deadly crash on the evening of Tuesday, July 23. The Journal News reported that a wrong-way driver speeding down the bridge smashed into several oncoming vehicles, killing one woman and injuring several others.
Hannah Ayeh-Brachie was the victim in this car accident fatality in New York. She was riding with her spouse, Newman Ayeh-Brachie, 57, at the wheel. Their vehicle was hit head-on and then rolled multiple times. The bridge’s Rockland County-bound lanes were closed for nearly six hours while emergency crews attended to the injured and the wreckage.
Police are still investigating the cause of the crash since the driver, 68-year-old Michael Schechel, was purportedly not impaired by drugs or alcohol. A later report by officials states that Schechel had known medical issues and had suffered an anxiety attack shortly before the catastrophic incident. Though no charges have been pressed, it is unknown if the victim’s family will consult with NYC car accident lawyers to discuss their eligibility for filing a lawsuit.
Ayeh-Brachie’s relatives were in total shock and told reporters this past Wednesday that they were too upset to comment on the car accident. The 56-year-old Hannah Ayeh-Brachie was a Bronx resident who lived in Hillcrest.
Car accident fatality New York
Schechel, who was also hospitalized for injuries, was questioned by police, who have still yet to confirm why the man was driving the wrong way on the Tappan Zee Bridge. While waiting the results of a blood test, police commented that they have no reason to suspect Schechel was drunk or under the influence of alcohol.
Those who were injured and sustained property damage in this recent car accident will undoubtedly rely on the state’s No Fault insurance coverage, which offers benefits for medical costs, lost wages and other expenses, no matter who was responsible for the accident. While New York No Fault car insurance will help accident victims with their hospital bills and lost earnings while they are healing, the maximum benefits are capped at $50,000 – an amount which, depending on the seriousness of the injuries, may not be sufficient.
Individuals who suffered critical injuries, or relatives of those who died in a car accident, who seek additional compensation above and beyond No Fault coverage must meet the serious injury threshold and pursue legal action with the assistance of auto accident attorneys.
Seeking compensation outside NY No Fault insurance limits
One or more of the following criteria must be met to reach the serious injury threshold:
- Personal injury which results in death
- Dismemberment
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Loss of a fetus
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ, member, function, or system
- Permanent consequential limitation of use of a body organ or member
- Significant limitation of use of a body function or system
- A medically determined injury or impairment of a non-permanent nature which prevents the injured person from performing substantially all of the material acts which constitute such person’s usual and customary daily activities for not less than ninety days
Contact NYC car accident lawyers
If you’ve been harmed or lost a family member in a car accident in New York, it’s in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your options for legal recourse. The Sanders Firm understands the emotional and financial burdens that are placed on those left behind after a car accident fatality in New York, and can evaluate your case to determine eligibility for filing a claim, if threshold standards are met. Call our law offices today to schedule your free consultation at 1.800 FAIR PLAY ( 800.324.7752).
