Pedestrian struck on Manhattan sidewalk
Posted on October 2, 2015 in Car Accidents
New York City car accidents are an unforutnate risk to other motorists who navigate congested Manhattan traffic. The peril is even greater for pedestrians who have virtually no physical protection against a vehicle which may be speeding or ignoring signs or crosswalks. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, New York City suffered 178 pedestrian fatalities in 2013 which constituted 60.3 percent of all traffic deaths in the City in 2013.
A recent fatal accident in Manhattan’s East Side is particularly startling, however. The pedestrian was not in traffic or in a crosswalk and was struck on a sidewalk.
The crash occurred on Aug. 10 at 4:30 p.m. at 2nd Avenue and East 49th Street. The New York Police Department said that a 64-old-driver of a 2004 Mercedes-Benz was going southbound on 2nd Avenue. His car veered to the right, jumped the curb and struck three female pedestrians at the southwest corner. The victims were 21, 23 and 24-years-old.
The 24-year-old victim, from Manhattan, was pinned against a light pole. She died eight days later from the injuries suffered in the crash.
Police are continuing to investigate this auto accident for any traffic violations. According to the NYPD, the driver said that he swerved his car to avoid another vehicle which allegedly cut him off. There are no arrests as of yet.
Pedestrian and motorists in New York City who are struck by a negligent or reckless driver may be entitled to damages for any serious injuries or losses that they incur. Prompt legal advice should be sought to help assure that evidence can be obtained, liability is determined and that victims and their families can pursue their rights in a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit even if there was no criminal prosecution.
Source: WABC-TV, “Police identify young woman killed when car jumped curb on east side of Manhattan,” Aug. 18, 2015