A 13-year-old girl is currently fighting for her life after being struck by a box truck in Brooklyn on January 27, 2022. This horrible accident adds to residents’ growing concerns for their safety on city streets.
The young girl had just gotten off an MTA bus at around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday morning when she was struck by the truck while attempting to cross at Avenue J and Coney Island Avenue in Midwood. She was immediately transported to Maimonides Hospital where she remains in critical condition.
The driver of the box truck stayed at the scene. It is currently unclear whether he will face charges.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s loved ones at this time. We hope for a quick and complete recovery.
Pedestrian safety has become a serious issue in New York. In 2021 alone, 122 pedestrians were killed in NYC while attempting to cross the street. Already in 2022, 11 pedestrian accidents have occurred in the city.
Following Mayor Eric Adams’ recent promise to improve pedestrian safety throughout the city, many are hoping to see the changes take effect soon. Last week, Adams announced new efforts by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) which include raising crosswalks, improving traffic signals, increasing enforcement of traffic laws, and improving the safety of 1,000 intersections where the most accidents are reported in the city.
New York residents have high hopes for the new mayor’s plans. Meanwhile, the organization Families for Safe Streets is pushing for lawmakers in Albany to pass the Crash Victims Rights Safety Act, which aims to protect pedestrians throughout New York State through efforts including redesigning roadways and lowering speed limits. We hope government officials are responsive to pleas for increased safety and a larger focus is placed on protecting pedestrians.
In New York, particularly in New York City, the majority of residents rely on walking as their prime mode of transportation. Each year, an average of about 3,000 New Yorkers are seriously injured and more than 200 are killed in traffic accidents. Notably, the leading cause of injury-related death for children 14 and younger is being struck by a vehicle. Major changes must be made to protect the public.
According to the DOT, driver inattention is responsible for about 36 percent of pedestrian accidents. Additionally, 27 percent of fatal pedestrian accidents resulted from a driver’s failure to yield. Negligent motorists must be held accountable for their reckless behavior.
All drivers on the road owe a duty of care to those around them, especially pedestrians who are in a much more vulnerable position. If a driver breaches this duty of care and consequently causes harm to another party, they can be held liable for the damages they caused.
Pedestrians who suffer serious injuries as a result of a negligent driver’s actions may have a legal right to receive compensation to cover expenses including subsequent medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It may be in a victim’s best interest to speak with an experienced auto accident attorney who can help guide them toward receiving fair compensation.
The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy have extensive experience helping injured pedestrians, including a $32,756,156 record-breaking jury verdict for a 60-year-old Vietnam veteran who was struck by an impaired driver while attempting to help victims of an unrelated car crash.
Call 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form today to speak with a skilled BOM lawyer.