When a New York hit-and-run accident takes place, the identification, location and the ultimate arrest of the suspected driver often comes down to the availability of witnesses who may have had the presence of mind to notice any information about the driver and who then report it to police.  In a tragic Manhattan hit-and-run accident that took place early Saturday, that's exactly what happened, and the driver in the accident was arrested soon after allegedly killing a pedestrian.

The New York pedestrian accident took place at approximately 5 a.m. at Broadway and W. 173rd St. in Washington Heights when Argelis Alcantara, 28, sped down Broadway in his Toyota Scion and slammed into the victim who has yet to be identified.  A witness to the incident, 40-year-old Stanley Lopez, called 911 immediately and Alcantara was soon apprehended merely 13 blocks down the road at Broadway and 186th St. after he slammed his vehicle into a curb.

Fortunately, the driver in this fatal New York pedestrian accident was caught.  Tragically, an innocent person was killed and Alcantara was charged with several crimes, made only worse for him because it's believed that alcohol was a factor in the accident at issue.  We'd like to send our deepest condolences to the family of the person who was killed, as this senseless loss could easily have been avoided if the terrible decision to drive while impaired had not been made.

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

Sadly, this incident will only add to the voluminous body of New York pedestrian accident statistics.  Overall, approximately 11 percent of all auto accidents in the United States involve hit-and-run situations, a percentage that has risen in recent years.  In addition, more than 15,000 New York auto/pedestrian accidents occur every year, and almost 9,000 New York auto accidents overall include alcohol as a contributing factor, leading to almost 5,000 injuries and more than 150 deaths. 

In addition to the problematic New York pedestrian accident statistics, the defendant in this case could face significant criminal liability, and the degree of the felony for which he could be charged will depend on his BAC measurement.  If it's below a 0.18, he could face a Class D felony.  If it's above that amount, it could rise to a Class C felony for vehicular manslaughter.

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers

Almost regardless of the criminal prosecution that the driver will face, it's also likely that the man will face civil liability under a New York wrongful death lawsuit.  Such a lawsuit could include damages involving medical, funeral and burial costs, lost income and perhaps loss of companionship.  If you have lost someone you love in any sort of New York auto accident, you need the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have decades of collective experience in holding those responsible for these losses accountable.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.