Skip to main content
contact us

Copyright SJKP LLP Law Firm all rights reserved

Case Results

Based on our recently accumulated litigation database, we provide customized solutions based on a thoroughly analyzed litigation database.

Fatal traffic accident | How a Fatal Traffic Accident Defense Led to a Full Acquittal in New York



When a driver becomes involved in a fatal traffic accident, the consequences are immediate and life-altering.

In New York, prosecutors often treat these cases aggressively, especially when allegations of speeding or negligence arise.

Our client (a man in his fifties) was suddenly transformed from a routine commuter into a defendant facing serious criminal charges after an unexpected collision with a motorcycle resulted in a tragic death.

The fatal traffic accident sparked a full investigation, and prosecutors charged the client under New York’s criminal negligence statutes.

However, through careful reconstruction of the accident scene, scientific analysis, and strategic legal defense, our team ultimately secured a complete acquittal.

This case illustrates how essential it is to challenge assumptions, examine causation closely, and ensure that a fatal traffic accident is evaluated with objective evidence rather than speculation.

contents


1. Fatal traffic accident New York – Background and Circumstances of the Incident


The client was driving on a two-lane roadway and entered an underpass with an uphill exit ramp.

As he emerged from the tunnel, a motorcycle suddenly crossed into his path.

Despite immediate braking, a collision occurred.

Because the motorcyclist later died, prosecutors pursued the client for causing a fatal traffic accident, arguing that alleged speeding contributed to the outcome.



Sequence of Events Confirmed During Investigation


The defense team reconstructed the situation as follows:

 

  • The client was driving 76–84 km/h (47–52 mph)in a 60 km/h zone.
  • The roadway included an uphill slope and guardrails, limiting visibility.
  • The motorcycle crossed perpendicularlyfrom a restricted zone.
  • The collision occurred within secondsof the motorcycle appearing.

 

These details showed that even with caution, the fatal traffic accident was unavoidable.



2. Fatal traffic accident New York – Applicable Law and Legal Standards


In New York, prosecutors typically examine fatal traffic accident cases under:

 

  • Criminally Negligent Homicide (NY Penal Law §125.10)
  • Vehicular Manslaughter statutes

 

To prove guilt, prosecutors must establish a clear causal link between the driver’s conduct and the death.

In this case, causation, not speeding, was the central issue.



Key Legal Requirements


For conviction, prosecutors must prove:

 

  • Negligent or reckless conduct
  • Substantial and unjustifiable risk
  • Conduct that directly caused the fatal traffic accident

 

Our attorneys targeted the third element causation because it is often the most difficult to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.



Scientific Evaluation and Crash-Stopping Distance


Expert analysis revealed:

 

  • Only 18–20 metersof reaction distance were available.
  • Stopping distance at 50 km/his 22 meters(already longer).
  • Stopping distance at 60 km/hexceeds 34 meters nearly double.

 

This proved that even at lawful speed, the fatal traffic accident could not have been avoided.



3. Fatal traffic accident New York – Defense Strategy and Key Arguments


The defense litigation team challenged the prosecution’s speed theory and demonstrated that the motorcyclist’s improper maneuver caused the crash.



Challenging Claims of Speed as the Cause


The team emphasized:

 

  • Speed alone does not establish criminal negligence.
  • Prosecutors must show lower speed would have prevented the fatal traffic accident.
  • Scientific evidence disproved this assumption.

 

Thus, the prosecution’s main argument collapsed.



Highlighting the Motorcyclist’s Improper Maneuver


The defense showed:

 

  • Motorcycle crossed a prohibited safety zone.
  • The rider moved perpendicularlyacross an active lane.
  • Guardrails and tunnel structure made early detection impossible.

 

Therefore, the fatal traffic accidentresulted from the motorcyclist’s unpredictable conduct, not the client’s driving.



4. Fatal traffic accident New York – Court Decisions and Final Resolution


Fatal traffic accident New York – Court Decisions and Final Resolution

 

With expert testimony, diagrams, calculations, and visibility analyses, both trial and appellate courts found overwhelming evidence supporting the defense.



Full Acquittal at Trial and on Appeal


The courts concluded:

 

  • The client could not have anticipated the motorcycle entering illegally.
  • No causal link existed between alleged speeding and death.
  • Criminal liability was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

Thus, the client was fully acquitted, and all fatal traffic accident charges were dismissed.

If you face investigation or prosecution for a fatal traffic accident, immediate legal representation is critical.


SJKP analyzes roadway design, visibility, speed, and causation to prevent unjust outcomes.

 

If you or someone you know is involved in a fatal traffic accident, contact SJKP for strategic, experienced legal defense.


24 Nov, 2025


The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.

Book a Consultation
Online
Phone
CLICK TO START YOUR CONSULTATION
Online
Phone