According to Suffolk County authorities, a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Broadhollow Road in Melville died as a result of the accident. Police indicated that their investigation into the Nov. 6 incident is ongoing.

Shortly after 11 p.m., a 28-year-old man in a southbound 2010 Acura MDX reportedly struck the male pedestrian as he was crossing Broadhollow Road. Emergency personnel from the Melville Fire Department transported the injured pedestrian to Plainview’s North Shore University Hospital. That, apparently, is where officials declared the man dead. The 28-year-old driver involved in the accident did not report suffering any injuries.

Following the crash, investigators reportedly inspected the Acura for safety issues. Authorities did not report whether police issued any citations or filed any charges in relation to the deadly incident.

Regardless of whether a fatal traffic accident gives rise to any criminal proceedings, the family of the decedent, with the counsel of an attorney, may attempt to hold the at-fault party liable for the event by filing a wrongful death claim in civil court. In order to prevail in such a suit, the claimants must prove that their loved one’s death was directly linked to the negligent actions of the at-fault party, which is often a driver in cases where a pedestrian died.

The personal injury attorney may prove to be key in such a lawsuit. By proffering evidence found in official police reports and documents generated by accident reconstruction specialists, the attorney may present a convincing case. Prevailing in a wrongful death suit may be critical for a bereaved family’s financial outlook. For, successful claimants might be awarded compensation for their various pecuniary losses stemming from the accident, including bills for medical treatment, burial costs and funeral expenses.

Source: LongIsland.com, “Pedestrian killed in Melville motor vehicle crash”, November 06, 2014