Following a recent alarming accident where a pedestrian was hit and killed by a vehicle that later fled the scene, the New York State lawmakers are seeking to increase the penalties for such conduct on the part of the drivers. The bill “Nick’s Law” was put forward by State Senator Dean Murray and Assemblyman Doug Smith in light of the death of 25-year-old Nicholas Puzio in Patchogue, New York in March 2023. Puzio was hit by two different cars while trying to cross Route 112 and the drivers of both cars left him dead. This has brought to light the current upward trend in hit-and-run cases and the current fair penalties that are faced by the offenders. “Nick’s Law,” as detailed in the New York State Senate press release, aims to close these loopholes.
Under the current law in New York state, failure to stop after a crash with a fatality falls under Class D felony charges which attract a fine not exceeding $5,000. However, according to the report released by The New York State Senate, “Nick’s Law” aims at increasing the severity of these penalties by recalling the offense to a Category B felony and increasing the fine to $30,000. Supporters of the law have said that such a measure would not only help in offering justice to victims like Puzio but would also act as a deterrent to those willing to abandon their vehicles and those involved in accidents. Senator Murray explained that it was high time that the provisions of this legislation were enacted to save lives and keep drivers at the scene of an accident to help the victims or wait for the arrival of other essential response teams.
The push for “Nick’s Law” does not end at the two bills’ sponsors, and other state legislatures have come out to support the call. Both Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assemblyman Ed Flood noted that an increase in hit-and-run cases is suggestive of a driver safety problem, stressing that it requires more stringent measures to discourage dangerous behaviors on the roads. Police officials, for instance, have argued that the current legal provisions encourage drivers to flee the scene to avoid facing aggravated charges including those touching on reckless driving influenced by alcohol.
The passing of the “Nick’s Law” is a positive indicator in the fight against hit-and-run accidents in New York. The push for this law has gained significant traction following a series of high-profile cases, such as the one reported by ABC News, where a guy named Ravindra Dharamjit, who fled to Guyana after a 2019 Christmas hit-and-run that killed 67-year-old Ainsley Dalrymple in Queens, was arrested five years later and extradited to the U.S. for trial. These cases highlight the need for stricter laws to prevent offenders from escaping justice. These new laws that enhance the punishment of such crimes will go a long way to ensuring that families of the deceased receive justice and, at the same time, create a favorable environment for motorists and pedestrians.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it is important to know that you have legal rights. If you need assistance or a free consultation, do not hesitate to reach out to us.
