Personal Injury Law

Woman Charged in DWI Accident That Killed Man in Wheelchair

A 24-year-old New York woman has been indicted in the hit-and-run death of 51-year-old Ranford Beckford, the New York Newsday reports. Police say Lauren Dean was driving drunk when she hit Beckford?s motorized wheelchair in Coram. New York. Dean then reportedly fled the scene of the New York auto accident. She faces several charges including first-degree manslaughter and faces five to 15 years in prison.

But Dean is saying that she never hit anybody. She told police she thought she hit the curb. But officials say Dean had a blood alcohol level of .242 percent, more than three times the legal limit in New York, which is 0.08 percent. Dean has pleaded not guilty to the charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in a death and three misdemeanors including aggravated driving while intoxicated and driving without a license.

We hope this woman is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and is both criminally and civilly responsible for causing the death of Ranford Beckford. The victim?s family in this case can file a wrongful death claim against the driver because this accident, based on this news report, was caused by a drunk and negligent driver. Beckford?s family will be entitled to compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of wages and other damages.

If you or a loved one has been serious injured or killed in a New York auto accident, please call the Law Offices of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro to find out about your legal rights. We will hold the wrongdoers accountable and make sure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. We always offer a free consultation.

Full post as published by New York Injury Talk Blog on December 22, 2008 (boomark / email).