7-Year-Old Boy Died In NYPD Tow Truck Accident By Myrtle Avenue and North Portland Avenue
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (September 22, 2024) – A 7-year-old boy has tragically died in a collision with an NYPD tow truck accident by Myrtle Avenue and North Portland Avenue.
New York City officials are saying that the collision took place as the boy was walking in the crosswalk with his mother. The two were on their way to school.
A witness told reporters that the driver of the tow truck was speeding and on her cell phone when he hit the boy. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, the boy later died due to his injuries. A full investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Brooklyn Tow Truck Accidents
Trucks can be incredibly dangerous for pedestrians. According to Reuters, “Trucks and sport utility vehicles with hood heights greater than 40 inches are about 45% more likely to cause fatalities in pedestrian crashes than shorter vehicles with sloped hoods, according to new research from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.” There are a number of factors that could contribute to any pedestrian accident.
- The vast majority of pedestrian accidents occur at intersections.
- Pedestrian accidents tend to occur during the early morning and late evening hours when visibility is reduced.
- Pedestrian collisions often occur at locations with a history of speeding.
Drivers must take reasonable measures in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to New York Vehicle Code 1141, “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a civil claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any tow truck accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The work records of the driver involved should be reviewed.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- Photos of the accident site should be taken.
If a tow truck driver was working for a city agency at the time of a collision, that agency could be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. The family of any person who died in a pedestrian collision may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Brooklyn Tow Truck Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the boy who died in this collision. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the police. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Do you need more information about a Brooklyn tow truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
