Sunday's wreck on Route 5 claims life of Frankfort resident, state police say
HERKIMER, NY, (October 06, 2024) - A traffic collision occurred early Sunday morning in Herkimer, resulting in one fatality and injuries to another, according to the New York State Police.
Michael Palmer, a 35-year-old resident of Frankfort, was fatally injured as a result of a two-vehicle crash in Herkimer early Sunday morning, according to state police.
The deceased victim has been identified as 35-year-old Michael Palmer of Frankfort.
Based on preliminary findings, a 54-year-old driver from Herkimer was traveling eastbound on State Route 5 around 2:38 a.m. when he crossed into the westbound lane, striking Palmer's vehicle head-on. Tragically, Palmer died from injuries at Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse.
The Herkimer resident was transported to Wynn Hospital in Utica for treatment, police said.
This is an active investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Although only 2% of motor vehicle accidents are head-on in the United States, they account for over 10% of all crash-related fatalities. The NHTSA also reports that in 2019, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 28% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities.
Candice Bond, an experienced auto accident attorney, said in cases such as this, it is imperative to have an independent probe conducted into the crash by a seasoned lawyer to protect the rights of the victim’s family.
“Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and the family of the victim must ensure that evidence is reviewed efficiently,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Michael Palmer may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“In the wake of a catastrophic accident, families deserve peace of mind. Completing an independent investigation while big insurance corporations want to weaken your case requires an attorney with full knowledge of the complex legal process and resources to fight by your side.
“Losing a loved one due to someone else’s negligence is an unimaginable tragedy. While no amount of compensation can bring them back, an experienced attorney can hold responsible parties accountable and help secure justice for your family.”
Have you been in a similar accident and need help? Speak to Newsline's national legal analyst Candice Bond now free of charge for a no-obligation consultation
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).