Many expect the dangers of the New York streets to stay on the street. Unfortunately, all too often out of control drivers kill or injure innocent pedestrians when their recklessness brings the carnage onto New York City sidewalks. Just last week (November 11th) two unsuspecting pedestrians were killed on Queens Boulevard (near Broadway) when a 23-year old driving a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro at a high rate of speed jumped the curb and careened into a crowd of New Yorkers. The car, which boasts a 7 liter engine and 505 horsepower, became a fast-moving 3,700 pound unstoppable missile.
The two victims (59-year old Manchip Cheng and 41-year old Mu Wang Lin) died of the wounds they suffered at the hands of the young driver. It’s unclear as of yet whether this was just another New York City distracted driving accident or if the individual was speeding and simply couldn’t control his vehicle.
Witnesses report it appears the individual lost control after attempting to break while travelling well above the posted limit. Transportation Alternatives authored a study in which they spotted over 230 drivers travelling above the speed limit in the same Elmhurst neighborhood over the course of just 8 hours. The car left the roadway and smashed through a phone booth, a lamp post, and two parked cars before striking the two pedestrians.
Unfortunately, these types of pedestrian car accidents happen all too often in New York City. Just this past spring one such accident made international headlines as a distracted taxi driver jumped a curb striking a young tourist and amputating her leg. Earlier in the week, three pedestrians were killed in separate accidents when cars jumped curbs. And even later that same afternoon a pedestrian was struck and killed by a truck that jumped the curb in Harlem. That’s five fatal New York City pedestrian accidents in less than two weeks.
In this instance, the driver (who walked away with minor injuries) was taken into custody after police discovered two outstanding warrants for his arrest.
With the loss of income combined with mortuary and medical costs, the families could easily be facing a financial burden well past what can afford. If you or a loved one has been injured in any kind of automobile accident, contact a qualified New York pedestrian accident attorney immediately. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.