A fatal garbage truck accident in The Bronx claimed the life of a man around 5:15 on the morning of November 7th. Reports from the accident scene claim the victim was walking across the street beneath an overpass near the intersection of Jerome Ave. and East Gun Hill Rd. in the Norwood neighborhood of The Bronx. He was struck and killed by a garbage truck on its morning rounds. Rescue crews arrived within minutes but there was nothing they could do for the man.
Garbage trucks are a common sight in New York City but these massive vehicles can be dangerous-especially to pedestrians and bicyclists. Indeed, in the past few years there have been a number of people struck and killed by garbage trucks in New York-most often while they’re on foot. A shocking number of these innocent victims have been elderly individuals who often can’t get out of the way in time when they see these vehicles bearing down on them.
The truck driver (in this case) stayed on scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities will be looking into the visibility (or lack thereof) as a contributing factor. A police spokesperson said there is no criminality involved in this latest New York City garbage truck accident, meaning the driver will not likely face any charges.
While this driver may not be criminally responsible for a victims injury (or death in this case) that does not mean that he won’t be held financially liable for the victim’s death. Injured victims or the surviving family members in cases of death can file personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits can be filed against the driver and owner of the vehicle seeking just compensation for pain and suffering and expenses which result from garbage truck accidents here in New York.
If you’ve been injured by a commercial or city garbage truck, contact the garbage truck accident lawyers in New York City at the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel. Call 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 to schedule an appointment and case evaluation.