A terrifying pedestrian accident in New York City last month sent three young boys to the hospital with severe injuries. The kids were crossing the street in the Lindenhurst neighborhood of Long Island when they were struck by a sedan driven by a 20-year-old man. The three boys (ages 13, 12, and 9) were rushed to nearby Good Samaritan hospital and listed in serious, critical, and serious condition, respectively.
Although the driver not immediately arrested or charged with any crime, his vehicle was impounded for a safety check.
This type of pedestrian accident in New York City is far too common. Children are one of the populations in New York at the highest risk of being severely injured (even killed) by automobiles while crossing the street. Nationwide statistics collected by the CDC show that 15% of children under the age of 15-years-old who are killed in traffic accidents are on foot at the time of the collision. A study found that pedestrian accidents are among the leading cause of accidental death for children worldwide.
Why children suffer so greatly in pedestrian accidents is complicated. Firstly, children don’t often realize the danger associated with crossing the street and may not be mentally developed enough to accurately assess the danger a fast-moving car. Secondly, children are much smaller, thus more difficult for drivers to see. Lastly, children are much more likely to be severely injured in pedestrian accidents in New York City because their bodies aren’t as physically able to withstand impact damage as a healthy adult’s.
In addition to the right to bring a lawsuit for pain and suffering for injuries sustained in the accident, the child would be entitled to no-fault benefits provided by the automobile’s insurance company which will pay for all health-related expenses.
If your child has been injured by a careless driver in NYC, contact an experienced pedestrian accident attorney in New York City who will fight for your child’s rights for compensation. Contact the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 for your free consultation today.