New York Driver Accused Of Impaired Driving In Recent Accident

After sideswiping a vehicle on the interstate, the former wife of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is accused of driving under the influence of drugs. Having hired a new group of attorney's to represent her, a judge granted the defendant an adjournment to allow her legal team time to become more acquainted with the facts of the case.

According to the initial police report filed in the aftermath of the collision, the accident took place on the evening of July 11^th of this year. The defendant, the report alleges, was traveling along Interstate 684 in North Castle, New York, at the time of the incident. While driving, the woman is accused of drifting out of her lane and slamming into the side of an adjacent tractor-trailer. The truck driver continued on without stopping, while the defendant pulled over to the side of the road.

Police arriving at the scene said that the woman seemed noticeably intoxicated, exhibiting several symptoms such as inability to balance and slurred speech. After administering several field sobriety tests, the report alleges, law enforcement officers arrested the defendant and took her into custody.

Defendant Admits Possibility Of Taking An Ambien Accidentally

A statement released by a spokesperson for the defendant stated that she had no drugs or alcohol in her system at the time of the crash. Her initial team of attorney's stuck by this claim, saying that she was totally sober when the collision occurred. Court records indicate, however, that the woman had told police that she might have accidentally taken an Ambien-brand sleeping pill, having mistaken it for her thyroid medicine.

When toxicology reports came back, in fact, medical professionals announced that they discovered Ambien in her system. The defendant retracted her statement that she had been found sober at the time of the crash, saying her "first instinct was correct." She then hired a new legal team to represent her.

The woman is accused of driving under the influence of drugs, a charge for which she could have her license suspended and possibly face a jail sentence. The driver of the tractor-trailer pled not guilty to charges of leaving the scene of an accident, saying he was not even aware of the collision and that no damage had been done to his vehicle.

A Personal Injury Attorney Is Here To Help

If you have been injured as the result of an automobile collision in the state of New York, it is imperative that you contact a personal injury lawyer right away to discuss your options. At Hecht Kleeger & Damashek, PC, we understand the trauma and pain that can result from a serious car accident. It is our mission to defend your right to compensation, and vigorously represent you both in the courtroom and at the negotiation table. Do not allow the negligent party that hurt you to go unpunished! Please, visit our website or contact us via telephone to learn more today.