When groups of people travel in vans, they often make the decision to travel in this manner because it's generally safer than having everyone in the group drive individually.  However, the safety of van passengers depends on the driving and mental capabilities of the drivers of other vehicles, and early indications are that the driver of a vehicle that collided with a large van may have been impaired when he allegedly caused a horrific upstate New York van accident that killed five people and injured at least eight others.  The driver has been arrested.

According to the authorities, this massive upstate New York van accident occurred yesterday afternoon at 12:45 p.m. when a van carrying a load of Amish farmers on a tour was driving in a northbound direction on Pre-Emption Road near the town of Benton when a large tractor approached the van in the southbound lane.  The driver of the other vehicle, who was not injured in the crash, attempted to pass the tractor in a no-pass zone at a curve in the road and at an intersection and entered the northbound lane.  As a result of the failed passing attempt, the vehicle collided with the van head-on, leading to the disastrous result.  The driver was arrested on suspicion of five counts of criminally negligent homicide, driving while intoxicated (by drugs or alcohol), reckless driving, unsafe passing, speed not reasonable and prudent, and failure to keep right after passing.

New York Car Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the people who were killed in this upstate New York van accident, and we hope that the people who were injured are able to overcome the harm they have suffered.  In addition, this crash will now become part of the overall statistics regarding New York car accidents.  Every year, more than 187,000 people are injured and more than 1,200 people are killed in these occurrences.

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers

If the available facts regarding this upstate New York van accident are accurate, then it's possible that the people who were injured and the families of the people who were killed could all file New York personal injury lawsuits against the driver.  If these claims are filed and they're successful, they could lead to awards of damages that compensate the plaintiffs for their losses that include medical costs, pain and suffering and loss of companionship.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, you need to seek the help of New York accident lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of those harmed for 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.