Accidents that involve pedestrians tend to be serious and even life-threatening, but especially when the striking vehicle is a large truck. In these situations it's vital that the driver who hit the pedestrian do whatever he or she can to help the victim. This might entail performing first aid or CPR, or at least calling for emergency help. Not only is stopping to render aid the humane thing to do; it's the law in New York.
Drivers who panic and leave the scene of an accident will be charged if they're located afterward. But even more importantly, their negligence can contribute to a worsening of the pedestrian's condition, especially if there are no other witnesses. When pedestrians are killed instantly and no one is around to see the crash, their families endure even more grief, anger and confusion over how to proceed with criminal or civil cases.
The family of a woman who was fatally struck by a large dump truck in Midtown Manhattan last week may have been relieved to learn that the driver, who left the scene of the crash without stopping, has been arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, a felony.
The crash happened as the 69-year-old woman was crossing a busy intersection near Times Square. Fortunately, the area was crowded with witnesses, one of whom told the driver that he'd hit someone. But police said he drove away anyway. Police tracked the driver and his truck to New Jersey and arrested him after further investigation.
It may be cold comfort, but the woman's family now knows if negligence played a role in the accident itself, they know who the driver is. A wrongful death lawsuit can provide a victim's loved ones with compensation for the financial and emotional hardship they suffer as a result of accidents like these.
Source: The New York Times, "Truck Driver Arrested in Fatal Hit and Run in Midtown," J. David Goodman, Feb. 6, 2013
- Our firm serves New York residents who have been injured or lost a loved one in an accident. To learn more about our practice, visit our New York City commercial vehicle accident page.
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