Understanding the Legal Implications for Victims of the Midtown Manhattan Reckless Car Accident

The New Year’s Day car accident in Midtown Manhattan, involving Mohamed Alaouie, a 44-year-old from Fort Lee, NJ, presents a harrowing scenario of chaos and danger . In a disturbing sequence of events, Alaouie, engaged in a dispute with his girlfriend, attracted the attention of police officers. His subsequent actions led to a reckless driving spree, resulting in injuries to two police officers and four pedestrians including actress Carrie Bernans, (picture) as well as significant property damage (see video below). Additionally, a significant amount of crack cocaine was found in his vehicle, further complicating the legal landscape.

Legal Implications for the Victims

The victims of this tragic event face a complex web of legal considerations. Here’s how the law may apply in their situation:

Personal Injury Lawsuits: The injured parties can pursue personal injury lawsuits against Alaouie. These civil lawsuits would aim to compensate for medical bills, lost wages due to inability to work, and the pain and suffering endured because of the injuries.
Negligence and Recklessness: Alaouie’s apparent reckless driving and impairment due to substance use provide a strong foundation for a negligence claim. In legal terms, his failure to operate the vehicle in a safe manner constitutes a breach of the duty of care owed to others on the road.
Criminal Restitution: Alongside criminal charges, the court may order Alaouie to pay restitution to the victims. This would cover out-of-pocket costs that resulted directly from his actions, such as medical expenses and property repair costs.
Insurance Claims: The victims can file claims with Alaouie’s auto insurance. However, these claims might be limited by the policy’s coverage limits. Additionally, victims with their own auto insurance might seek compensation through their uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, should Alaouie’s insurance be insufficient.
State Victim Compensation Funds: Many states offer compensation funds for victims of crimes, which can provide financial support for various expenses related to the incident.
Emotional Distress: The victims may also be eligible for compensation due to emotional distress, recognizing the psychological impact of such a traumatic experience.

For the victims, navigating the aftermath of the Midtown Manhattan accident involves understanding and utilizing various legal avenues available to them. From personal injury claims to state-funded compensation, the legal system offers several mechanisms for seeking justice and recovery. While no legal action can undo the trauma and pain caused, it can provide a pathway to financial relief and a sense of justice in the wake of this tragedy.

The NYC pedestrian accident attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman and Mackauf have in-depth experience helping pedestrians injured in reckless driving accidents. Our managing partner, Ben Rubinowitz represented actress Ruthie Ann Miles who was hit by a reckless driver when she was crossing the street with her young daughter. The actress and her daughter were injured. Additionally, the actress was pregnant and as a consequence of the accident, she lost her unborn child. In another pedestrian accident case, our partners Howard Hershenhorn and Diana Carnemolla obtained a record-setting $85 million verdict for a man who was run over by a reckless bus driver.

Picture of Carrie Bernans: Courtesy of Instagram

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