The string of tragic MTA bus accidents in New York City just seems to get longer every day. Another pedestrian was struck and killed earlier this week bringing the number of individuals killed by MTA buses in the past six weeks up to four. 62-year old Eleonora Shulkina was attempting to cross near the intersection of Avenue Z and 17th Street in Brooklyn when the B36 bus made a left turn and struck her just after 6 PM Tuesday night (December 15).
Mrs. Shulkina was rushed to nearby Coney Island Hospital but doctors were unable to save her. She became just the latest victim of preventable bus accidents in New York.
The NYPD investigated the accident but did not press any charges against the bus driver (though it appears that there was a failure to yield to a pedestrian). Historically, the consequences for drivers who strike pedestrians are minimal. In fact, the Gothamist reports that fewer than 40 of the nearly 6,000 drivers who caused serious or fatal injuries because they failed to yield were prosecuted. This includes all but three of the bus drivers involved in fatal bus accidents in New York City last year in spite of new tougher laws.
This accident comes on the heels of an announcement by the mayor’s office that New York City is in the middle of what officials call “the Holiday Pedestrian Safety Initiative.” This plan is designed to incentivize the NYPD to crack down on speeders, drivers who fail to yield, and others who act recklessly-especially around senior citizens’ homes. The elderly are not only at much higher risk of being involved in pedestrian accidents in New York City but are also much more likely to suffer severe injuries and death.
If you or a loved one was injured by a driver who failed to yield, regardless of whether the NYPD is investigating the accident, contact a New York City pedestrian accident attorney today. Call the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel for a free consultation at or 212-385-1122 to learn your rights.