Hashini Herath Killed in Chili Car Accident
A passenger was also injured when a southbound truck attempted to pass another vehicle on Scottsville Road
Hashini Herath, 29, of Rochester, was killed in a head-on car accident on Scottsville Road in Chili on Monday night, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
The collision occurred around 6:45 p.m. A southbound truck attempted to pass another vehicle and struck the northbound car head-on.
Deputies closed the road for roughly seven hours as they investigated the scene. The driver of the truck received several traffic tickets.
Herath died at the scene. A passenger in the vehicle suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Traffic death increased 17% across the United States between 2019 and 2022. The sheriff's office continues to investigate the crash.
Why did the truck cross into oncoming traffic on Scottsville Road?
Investigators are working to determine the exact speed and conditions when the truck driver attempted the fatal passing maneuver. While the sheriff's office has already issued traffic tickets, a full review of a crash site will establish the full sequence of events.
"Time is of the essence in cases such as this, and a grieving family must be ensured that evidence is reviewed in an efficient manner," said Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "In addition to the diligent work of law enforcement, an attorney will carefully examine what may have contributed to the crash and has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide families during this difficult time, while protecting their legal rights and best interests."
How common are fatal head-on collisions in New York?
Head-on collisions represent a disproportionate number of traffic deaths despite accounting for a small percentage of total crashes. When commercial or heavy trucks are involved, the risk of catastrophic injury to passenger vehicle passengers increases significantly due to the weight disparity.
New York wrongful death statute
Under N.Y. EPTL § 5-4.1, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. New York applies pure comparative fault. The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of parental guidance, funeral expenses, and the decedent's conscious pain and suffering.