While many pedestrian accidents occur when walkers cross the street, some can take place when a pedestrian is simply standing on a metropolitan sidewalk. This was the case recently when a truck crashed into a crowd who were on a New York sidewalk. When pedestrian accidents of any type occur, those who are injured can seek legal guidance to determine the best course of action.
The incident happened in the late afternoon of Oct. 12 in the Bronx. A Coca-Cola tractor trailer went up onto the sidewalk. It then hit scaffolding on the outside of a city building. According to reports, the driver of the tractor trailer lost control of the truck when the rig was cut off by a vehicle on the road.
There were six people injured. These injured individuals were reported to have suffered minor injuries and treated at a hospital. Unfortunately, there was also a fatality. A 37-year-old woman was killed in the accident. There is an ongoing investigation concerning the accident, and there was no mention of any criminal charges.
Even if the investigation does not result in criminal charges, victims of pedestrian accidents or family members of those who are killed in pedestrian accidents may be entitled to pursue financial relief through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit in a New York civil court. If successful in that pursuit, monetary damages could be awarded. This could be a much-needed benefit to cover expenses such as medical bills, lost wages, funeral expenses and/or other damages applicable to one’s specific circumstances.
Source: Reuters, “One killed, six injured when truck hits building in New York“, Oct. 12, 2015
