A bizarre crosswalk accident in New York, Manhattan’s Lower East Side, injured three elderly pedestrians on the morning of August 28th. The women were crossing South Street, near Rutgers Slip, early in the morning when a 2010 Volvo crashed into the group.
First responders transported all three women to Bellevue Hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. Police at the scene are still investigating the driver, an unnamed 34-year old woman, in connection with the crash. However, the investigation did conclude that all three women were within a crosswalk and likely crossing with the light when they were struck. Despite this, no announcement has yet been made as to whether charges will be filed in this case.
Two of the women are expected to survive their injuries, according to the Gothamist. The third was still in critical condition at the time of the report.
This was the second pedestrian accident involving individuals within a crosswalk in this 24-hour period. The night before, a young man was struck by a Lincoln Town Car near Amsterdam Avenue. In this case, however, camera footage shows the man was crossing against the light. This fact can shift the fault of the accident to the pedestrian rather than the driver, depending on when the driver first saw the pedestrian before the accident. The amount of time and the driver’s explanation as to why he did not stop in time to avoid the collision will determine whether the driver can be held at least partially responsible for the accident.
Hundreds of people are either injured or killed every year by motorists who either fail to see pedestrians or fail to yield the right of way. In such cases, the motorist can be held at fault for the accident and legally and financially responsible for the pedestrian’s injuries.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident while crossing any of the Big Apple’s busy streets, contact a New York City crosswalk accident attorney today. You could be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, unpaid medical and hospital bills along with any past and future lost wages. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.