New York Taxi Accident Exemplifies Danger to Pedestrians
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,092 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2009.
December 19, 2010
A dramatic accident involving a taxi cab that crashed into a coffee shop demonstrates the risks pedestrians face across New York when traveling on foot or by bicycle.Over the Labor Day holiday weekend, an early-morning auto accident sent a taxi cab crashing into a coffee shop in New York City, injuring several pedestrians. Witnesses reported that both the taxi cab and another driver entered the intersection of First Avenue and Third Street at right angles. The taxi cab crashed into the side of the other driver's SUV then careened onto the sidewalk and through the glass facade of a popular coffee shop.
Three people that were hit by the taxi cab as well as its driver and passenger were taken to the hospital. Most severely injured were a 71-year-old man in the store and a man in his 20s who was riding a bicycle.
Pedestrian Accidents
Taxi cab accidents are common throughout New York state, and unfortunately, they often involve pedestrians. Whether on the streets of New York City or snowy sidewalks in Albany, pedestrians are particularly at risk for accidents with taxi cabs and other motor vehicles.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,092 pedestrians were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2009. Around 59,000 pedestrians were injured in those accidents, averaging one injury almost every nine minutes.
New York is among the four states with the highest number of pedestrian fatalities caused by motor-vehicle crashes. In 2009, the states with the most pedestrian deaths were:
- California: 620
- Florida: 490
- Texas: 416
- New York: 294
In New York, pedestrians accounted for nearly a quarter of all traffic-related fatalities in 2009.
Pedestrian Accident Injuries
Motor-vehicle crashes are especially harmful to pedestrians because of the size, weight and speed of cars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the most serious pedestrian injuries result from impact with vehicle bumpers, hoods and windshields. Common pedestrian accident injuries include:
- Head trauma
- Pelvis and leg fractures
- Arm and wrist injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injury
- Paralysis
A pedestrian injured in an auto accident may sue the driver responsible for the crash in a personal injury lawsuit. The victim or the victim's family may recover damages from the at-fault driver, including compensation for the victim's:
- Injuries
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
Pedestrian accident cases are complicated and the assistance of an experienced attorney is crucial. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in your area to discuss any legal claims you may have.
Article provided by O'Connor, O'Connor, Bresee & First, P.C.
Visit us at www.upstatenyautoaccidentinjurylaw.com