Two High School Students Killed, Two Injured in Single-Vehicle Pine Plains Wreck

Two teens were killed and two others were hurt in a horrific Dutchess County one-car automobile crash. According to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, a 16-year-old boy was driving north on Shultz Hill Road in Pine Plains when he lost control of his vehicle, left the roadway, and rolled. The vehicle apparently stopped after it struck a number of trees near Route 199.

Following the crash, rescue crews transported the driver to Albany Medical Center with injuries that were apparently life-threatening. A 16-year-old passenger was transported to St. Francis Hospital in Poughkeepsie with allegedly minor injuries. Sadly, two other passengers, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, reportedly died as a result of the crash. Although three of the four high school students were buckled up when the crash occurred, one of the decedents was not. He was ejected from the car.

The exact cause of the deadly crash is currently under investigation. Captain John Watterson stated authorities believe speed and reckless driving played a role in the fatal collision. He also said there was reason to believe the Subaru was airborne when it crested a hill immediately prior to leaving the roadway. According to authorities, the driver was operating the Subaru with a junior license. Individuals who hold a junior license in New York are not allowed to drive with more than one passenger under age 21 who is not a member of his or her immediate family.

In New York, motorists under age 18 must comply with the state's Graduated Driver License Program. This means a minor driver is allowed only limited driving privileges. For example, drivers with a junior license normally may only drive without supervision between the hours of 5 am and 9 pm. In addition, a junior driver may only operate a vehicle if every passenger is buckled up. Motorists who violate the provisions of a junior operator's license may have their privilege to drive suspended or revoked.

If your loved one died as a result of a reckless or inexperienced motorist's negligent actions, you may be eligible to recover damages for your loss. Certain relatives of someone who was killed in an avoidable auto wreck in New York may receive financial compensation for loss of consortium, the cost of their loved one's medical and funeral expenses, and other damages. A skilled personal injury lawyer can explain your rights in more detail.

Contact the experienced New York personal injury and accident law attorneys at Korngut Paleudis LLC if you were hurt or lost a family member in a preventable car accident in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Our knowledgeable lawyers are available to help you recover the damages you deserve after an unexpected injury. At Korngut Paleudis LLC, our caring advocates have more than 45 years of experience helping clients who are located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. To speak with a capable lawyer about your traffic wreck claim, contact Korngut Paleudis LLC through the law firm's website or give us a call at (212) 835-6768 in New York City or (609) 480-3080 in Princeton, New Jersey.

Additional Resources:

Dutchess teens Zachary Pruner, Gian Paolo Stagnaro killed in crash; speed eyed, by Poughkeepsie Journal, lohud.com