Any time someone is hit and killed in a New York pedestrian accident, the loss of life is tragic.  However, when it happens to someone who had already given so much to his country, it seems particularly terrible.  Sadly, that's what occurred early yesterday morning when a veteran of the war in Afghanistan and a Purple Heart winner was hit and killed as he left his own birthday party in a New York pedestrian accident.  Police are continuing their investigation of the incident.

According to reports, this fatal Long Island car accident occurred at 1:45 a.m. yesterday morning as Seamus Byrne, 33, of Smithtown was walking home from his birthday party at Napper Tandy’s Irish Pub, located at 15 East Main Street in Smithtown.  He lived only a half-mile away and was in the crosswalk when he turned back to respond to a well-wisher when he was hit by an oncoming Honda being driven by Michael Armentano, 24.  Apparently, the driver anticipated that the man would continue walking.  The driver was not impaired at the time of the crash.

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to extend our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the man who was killed.  Losing a life after enduring such a struggle at war is truly heart-breaking.  In addition, this Long Island pedestrian accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding New York pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 15,000 such accidents occur, leading to nearly as many injuries and to more than 300 fatalities.

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers

While more facts regarding this situation would be helpful in determining where the fault should lie, if it turns out that the driver was at fault then it could result in the filing of a New York wrongful death lawsuit by the family of the man who was killed.  If such a lawsuit is filed and is successful, the family could recover damages that compensate them for their medical, funeral and burial costs as well as their lost income and their loss of companionship. 

If you have lost someone you love in a crash, you need to seek the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have been defending the rights of grieving families for many years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.