A New York City taxi accident sent an elderly pedestrian to the hospital earlier this month. The 83-year old woman was struck while walking her bicycle along a stretch of Columbus Circle. She was actually pinned under the cab until a group of bystanders banded together and lifted the vehicle-a 2012 Ford Escape hybrid SUV-off her. First responders say their quick thinking saved the woman’s life.
The Manhattan taxi accident happened in the blink of an eye. One moment the woman was crossing the street, the next she was under the SUV. One eye witness reported that all he could see of the trapped woman was her sneakers. The cab driver attempted to reverse the vehicle over the woman (which would most likely have proven fatal) but was stopped by a group of nearby workers. The workers then gathered together and lifted the 3,400 pound vehicle up and off the woman.
New York taxi cabs have a bad reputation for the seemingly high number of accidents in which they’re involved. There are hundreds of thousands of vehicles zipping around New York City streets every day, most of which are driven responsibly. But taxi cabs are iconic, symbols of life in the Big Apple. When a cab is involved in an accident it becomes a wake-up call for pedestrians and motorists alike-New York City streets are dangerous and can turn deadly in a heartbeat.
Unfortunately, the elderly woman is not out of the woods yet. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital by the FDNY where she is still being treated for multiple broken bones-injuries that could very easily lead to life threatening complications for a patient of her age.
The New York Police Department is investigating the taxi accident but no charges are expected to be filed against the cab driver.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a similar accident-or any accident involving a cab or other type of hired vehicle-contact a New York City taxi accident attorney to discuss the legal options available to you. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.