A police officer who was driving while intoxicated rear-ended a car, causing it to strike a tree and light pole. As a result of the crash, the driver of the car, a 22-year-old woman, was killed. The accident occurred on the morning of Sunday, April 23rd, at about 4:00 a.m., close to Rockaway Boulevard in Queens. The police officer, Neville Smith, age 32, who is employed at the 48th Precinct in the Bronx, was operating a Mercedes south on the Van Wyck Expressway.
The driver of the Honda, Vanessa Raghubar, age 22, of Elmont, L.I., was immediately taken to Jamaica Hospital, where her condition was described as critical. She died on Monday, April 24th. Ms. Raghubar’s sister, age 21, was a passenger in the car, and suffered severe injuries. A man, age 20, was also injured.
Ms. Raghubar had been out with family and friends in celebration of her sister’s birthday. She was the group’s designated driver.
Officer Smith sustained minor injuries to the head and neck. He was charged while still in his hospital bed, and ordered to be held on $300,000 bail. According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, he faces the following charges:
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Criminally negligent homicide
If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident due to the negligence or reckless driving behavior of another motorist, call the personal injury attorneys at Proner and Proner. They will perform an investigation into the accident, and work on your behalf to hold the guilty party accountable for your injuries. You may be able to recover compensation for your loss, including, but not limited to, lost wages, medical bills, loss of future earnings, loss of future medical expenses, rehabilitation expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and loss of enjoyment of life.
