A shocking truck accident in New York City late last month has resulted in not one criminal charge being filed against a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. This isn’t uncommon according to many victims of commercial truck accidents in New York City who allege their crashes aren’t fully investigated by the NYPD. Often drivers either escape scot-free or the blame is at least partially shifted onto the victim.
Thankfully, this particular garbage truck accident in Brooklyn didn’t result in any injuries but the potential for serious, even life-threatening harm was clearly evident: Video and photos from the scene show the incredible aftermath of this multi-ton truck smashing its way down the street.
On August 24th the operator of a privately owned garbage truck fell asleep while making his rounds early in the morning. His massive vehicle smashed into no less than 13 parked cars along a stretch of street in Bed Stuy Brooklyn. Some of the cars were damaged so badly that they were complete losses and had to be hauled away in pieces. The total damage has been estimated at tens of thousands of dollars.
Miraculously, there was no one in harm’s way as the garbage truck careened out of control. It’s evident from the scope of the damage that even if the driver had awoken at the first sign of trouble, he wouldn’t have been able to stop the vehicle in time to avoid helpless victims in his path.
Every year in New York City, garbage and other trucks injure dozens of innocent people, sometimes resulting in horrific injuries to the victims. Pedestrians and cyclists (especially elderly individuals and children) are at highest risk and represent a disproportionate amount of victims citywide.
If you’ve been injured by a careless truck driver in NYC, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in New York City immediately.