June 18, 2012 – Brooklyn, NY – Jacob Stevens is pursuing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court, alleging that the New York City Police failed to properly investigate the accident that took the life of his wife, Clara Heyworth. The victim was struck by a motorist as she walked across Vanderbilt Avenue, during the early morning hours last July.
The complaint filed on Monday, June 11, alleges that the NYC Police prematurely called off an investigation by its Accident Investigation Squad in accordance with the department’s internal policy not to dispatch the unit unless someone died at the scene or the victim’s death is imminent. Although Mr. Jacob’s wife succumbed to her injuries the next day, a formal investigation wasn’t conducted until three days later.
As reported by The New York Times, Mr. Stevens claims that because the NYC Police halted the investigation, evidence that could’ve been useful in the prosecution of the driver wasn’t available.
One of the most fundamental steps in accident reconstruction is the gathering and preserving of evidence at the scene. Every minute that goes without safeguarding the evidence makes it harder for an accident attorney to prove the culpability of driver.
Some of the crucial evidence that can be lost without immediate action includes:
- identification of potential witnesses;
- pictures of the accident scene;
- video recordings of the accident taken by surrounding surveillance cameras;
- accident specific skid marks; and
- blood alcohol content readings taken near the time of the accident.
Don’t Delay in Contacting a Brooklyn, New York Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, don’t delay in contacting an accident attorney to help you gather and preserve evidence for your personal injury claim. The attorneys at Gacovino, Lake & Associates have experience in helping victims with the reconstruction of an accident for presentation in their personal injury case. Call 1-800-246-4878 today for a free consultation.
