A teenager was killed in a fatal bicycle accident in Brooklyn late last month while riding in front of his home in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The 13-year-old victim was struck and killed by an oil delivery truck near Lewis Avenue. Rescuers arrived on scene within minutes of receiving multiple 911 calls but there was nothing they could do for the boy. His injuries were so severe that he was declared dead shortly after arriving at a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses say the bicyclist was struck by the large truck as the truck attempted to make a right turn, cutting into the bicycle’s travel lane. This tragic example of a failure to yield accident demonstrates just how important it is for drivers to be aware of their surroundings before making turns. Every year hundreds of cyclists are injured in bicycle accidents in New York City and a significant portion of these car/bike collisions occur simply because the driver failed to yield the right of way.
Adding insult to this terrible loss of life, this particular driver shouldn’t have even been behind the wheel. Indeed, the truck was being operated by a 28-year old man who police later found didn’t have a valid license. They charged him for that offense but there has been no official word on whether he will face additional charges in the boy’s death.
Regardless of the criminal charges involved in this case, the boy’s surviving family members could potentially sue the driver, driver’s employer and owner of the truck. The lawsuit would seek to recover compensation for pain and suffering for the period of time the boy survived, wrongful death and any unpaid medical and funeral expenses. In addition, a bicyclist is eligible for no-fault benefits from the truck’s insurance company for health related and funeral expenses.
If you or a family member has been injured while riding in the city, contact an experienced New York City bicycle accident attorney today. Call The Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation.