The busy streets and sidewalks of New York are dangerous under any circumstances but especially so when drivers are reckless or negligent. Pedestrian accidents have received a lot of media attention and Mayor de Blasio is promoting a VisionZero initiative focused on reducing traffic fatalities. In a recent tragedy, a 30-year-old walking along a Brooklyn street died and her boyfriend and others suffered injuries after an SUV struck them.
The accident occurred when a bus pulled into a bus stop along Fulton Street. The driver of a Chevy Suburban jumped the curb in an attempt to avoid hitting the bus. The SUV then struck the couple walking along the sidewalk, as well as several other people.
The woman was rushed from the scene but died due to the injuries she suffered. Reportedly, she lost a great deal of blood at the scene of the accident. Her boyfriend was transported to the same hospital and later released. Three other people on the scene were also injured and hospitalized with minor injuries. The 39-year-old driver was charged with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, though additional criminal charges are expected.
Those injured in similar pedestrian accidents in New York, or the families of those killed, have legal rights. The injured parties may pursue personal injury claims for monetary damages, including medical bills, lost wages or other financial losses. For those who lose a loved one in this manner, a wrongful death suit may be an appropriate avenue to pursue. In either circumstances, it will be necessary to establish liability by appropriate proof of negligence.
Source: nydailynews.com, “Woman killed, four injured when SUV plows into pedestrians on Brooklyn street“, Ross Keith and Joseph Stepansky, Dec. 7, 2015
