Typically, pedestrians are at risk of being involved in a car accident in Manhattan. There's only so much space. The serious injuries (or worse) that typically accompany a pedestrian versus car accident are generally tragic and life-altering. This is the case in a recent collision.

According to reports, a driver was recently charged with murder regarding a crash that led to a death in a local Manhattan deli. Reportedly, the driver was under the influence of drugs at the time of the accident. The collision resulted in injuries to three people, all of which worked at the deli. One of the injured workers died from his injuries.

The driver will reportedly face a charge of second-degree murder. If the driver is convicted, he faces a prison sentence that could range from 25 years to life. In New York, drunk driving cases do not often include murder charges. In these types of cases, prosecutors have an increased burden of proof to meet before a conviction can be secured.

Driving while under the influence puts Manhattan pedestrians and others in or near the roadway at risk of lifelong injury or even death. Victims, including the families of deceased victims, have legal rights apart from any criminal proceedings that may take place. Personal injury or wrongful death claims, depending on the outcome of the car accident, may be an appropriate legal remedy to seek a monetary judgment for financial losses occasioned by a drunk driver. If prosecutors are successful in achieving a criminal conviction in this case, proof of that may be used as evidence of liability in civil court.

Source: The New York Times, "Murder Charge for Driver in Drug-Related Crash at a Manhattan Deli", James C. McKinley Jr., May 6, 2014