New York Tow Truck Accident Death
It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Merle Ratner, an esteemed left-wing activist and staunch advocate for peace, who tragically lost her life on the evening of February 5th in New York City due to a traffic accident. Merle’s husband, Ngo Thanh Nhan, a distinguished professor at New York University, conveyed the heartbreaking news, stating that she was fatally struck by a tow truck while crossing the street near their home in Brooklyn’s East Village.
Born in 1956 in the heart of New York City, Merle Evelyn Ratner’s unwavering commitment to justice was ignited at a tender age of 13 when she took to the streets to protest against the Vietnam War. She gained widespread recognition for her daring act of hanging anti-war slogans on the Statue of Liberty, marking the beginning of her lifelong dedication to the cause. As a co-founder and coordinator of the Vietnam Agent Orange Relief & Responsibility Campaign (VAORRC) in the New York area, Merle played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights of Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange.
Throughout the late 1960s and onwards, Merle remained actively engaged in various social justice movements, including the anti-imperialist movement of the 1970s and 1980s, as well as contemporary anti-racism campaigns in America. Following the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, Merle’s deep affection for the country led her to tirelessly advocate for the normalization of Vietnam-US relations and to support Vietnam’s international endeavors. She made numerous visits to Vietnam, collaborating closely with mass organizations, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.
Merle’s unwavering dedication did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by her receipt of the prestigious “For the Development of Vietnamese Women” insignia in 2010 and the “For Vietnam Agent Orange Victims” insignia in 2013.
The tragic incident that claimed Merle’s life occurred when she was struck by a tow truck while crossing the intersection of Avenue C and E. 10th Street in the East Village around 7 p.m. The driver, a 59-year-old individual operating a truck owned by Timmy’s Automotive in East Harlem, remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. While no charges have been filed pending further investigation, Merle’s passing has left a profound void in the hearts of many.
As her body lay covered by a white sheet in the intersection, detectives worked diligently to secure the scene, causing temporary disruptions in the area as M.T.A. buses gathered along E. 10th Street and Avenue C.
Merle Ratner’s legacy as a tireless advocate for peace and justice will forever be remembered, inspiring generations to come to continue the fight for a more equitable and compassionate world. Our top New York truck accident lawyers are here to help.
A tow truck accident lawyer is equipped to pursue compensation for a death resulting from a tow truck accident through a series of strategic steps. Initially, they meticulously investigate the incident, gathering evidence such as witness testimonies, police reports, and any available surveillance footage to establish liability. This entails determining whether the tow truck driver, their employer, the manufacturer of the vehicle, or other parties are responsible for the accident. Following this, the lawyer engages in negotiation with insurance companies on behalf of the deceased’s family, aiming to secure a fair settlement covering various damages including medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering. If negotiation fails to yield a satisfactory outcome, the lawyer may proceed with litigation, filing a wrongful death lawsuit and presenting compelling evidence in court to prove liability and seek adequate compensation. Throughout this process, the lawyer provides compassionate support and guidance to the grieving family, ensuring they receive the legal representation they need to navigate the complexities of the case and advocate for their rights effectively. Additionally, the lawyer may enlist the expertise of accident reconstruction specialists, medical professionals, and other expert witnesses to strengthen the case and provide expert testimony when required. Ultimately, the lawyer’s aim is to secure financial compensation that can help the family cope with their loss and move forward with their lives.