Within a mere 48-hour timeframe, Manhattan’s East Side has been the site of three distressing incidents where vehicles collided with pedestrians.
This series of accidents underscores a worrying pattern of traffic-related hazards in one of New York City’s most bustling locales.
As attorneys specializing in pedestrian accidents, our mission is to champion the rights and safety of pedestrians, prompting us to highlight the critical need for improved pedestrian safety protocols.
First Incident: A Narrow Escape in Midtown Early on Monday, a 40-year-old woman, while driving her SUV on Third Avenue, swerved unexpectedly to avoid hitting another car, leading her vehicle to jump the curb at East 58th Street. This resulted in her hitting a 22-year-old pedestrian and crashing into sidewalk scaffolding.
The aftermath of the crash was dramatic, leaving the SUV tangled in the scaffolding.
The injured pedestrian was quickly taken to New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center with a leg injury, the extent of which is yet to be fully assessed. Remarkably, the incident wasn’t considered a criminal act, and the driver cooperated fully with the police.
Second Incident: An Elderly Pedestrian Hit in Yorkville That same evening, a 54-year-old man driving an SUV collided with an 86-year-old pedestrian in a Yorkville crosswalk.
The elderly man was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The driver, who remained at the scene, was cited by the NYPD, although the details of the summons have not been disclosed.
Third Incident: A Severe Accident The next night, a woman in her thirties sustained serious head injuries after being struck by a Range Rover. The accident, involving a subsequent collision with a taxi, is under thorough investigation. The driver, a man in his seventies, stayed at the accident site.
Looking Ahead: Advocacy for Safety These incidents highlight the pressing necessity for immediate enhancements in pedestrian safety on the East Side of Manhattan and throughout New York City. Our role as legal advocates puts us at the heart of the movement for safer pedestrian crossings, improved traffic signals, and the enforcement of traffic laws.
These accidents remind us of the fragility of pedestrians in city settings and the need for carefulness among all road users. We call on city officials, law enforcement, and the community to unite in making our streets safer for everyone.
Victims of pedestrian accidents have rights, and our law firm is dedicated to ensuring they are upheld, having secured some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York.
If you or someone you know has been involved in such an accident, we encourage you to seek legal guidance.
Together, we can work towards a future where such incidents are a rarity, promoting a culture of safety and vigilance on New York’s streets.
Let’s pledge to make New York City’s streets safer for all pedestrians.
