High School Girl Fighting for her Life After Auto Accident in New York

A high school senior was struck by a car outside of Tottenville High School at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, November 13, 2009. Janine Brawer, 17, was identified as the victim of the chain-reaction car crash. Janine and a female classmate were crossing Luten Avenue after early dismissal when the tragedy occurred.

Witnesses said the driver of a Nissan Maxima stopped to let the girls cross the street, but another car, a Saturn, smashed into the Nissan. The impact of the Saturn crashing into the Nissan caused the Nissan to slam into Janine Brawer, pinning her underneath. She was rushed to Staten Island University Hospital, where she underwent surgery. Janine suffered head and internal injuries and is listed in critical but stable condition. Both of the cars were driven by students from Tottenville High School.

The accident has New York lawyers questioning the safety of the students leaving the school at that intersection. According to the New York Post, there are two crosswalks outside the school, but the nearest crosswalk is approximately 15 feet from where the accident occurred. The crosswalks, however, do not contain any stop signs.