Investigation Underway After Elderly Pedestrian Hit By Garbage Truck After Driver Initially Fled
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (January 15, 2024) – An 83-year-old woman has tragically died after being hit by a garbage truck while crossing Bond Street near Butler Street.
The accident took place around 11:30 AM on Wednesday. She was struck as the garbage truck was making a turn onto Bond Street from the westbound lanes of Butler Street.
A video of the accident shows that the garbage truck initially stopped at the scene but then later left. The driver involved in the garbage truck collision has not been charged at this time.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the woman. She was taken to the hospital with critical injuries, but unfortunately doctors were not able to save her.
Neighbors who knew the woman described her as an extremely nice lady. A full investigation of the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for Brooklyn Garbage Truck Accidents
Garbage trucks and other large trucks can be extremely 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 steps that garbage truck operators should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Garbage truck drivers should check their blind spots before making left turns.
- Garbage truck drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
- Garbage truck drivers should ensure that their vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained.
All garbage truck drivers have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps in order to avoid hitting pedestrians in the roadway. Pursuant to New York Vehicle Code 1146, all drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists, and domestic animals in the roadway. If a driver hits a pedestrian, they could be held at fault through a civil claim. It is important that certain steps are taken after any garbage truck accident.
- The work records of the garbage truck driver should be reviewed.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The circumstances leading up to the collision should be understood.
- An experienced truck accident attorney should be contacted.
The vast majority of accidents involving commercial trucks are completely preventable. They tend to involve situations where truck drivers are not paying attention to the road ahead of them. In many situations, trucking companies will push their drivers to complete deliveries on unrealistic time schedules. In fact, in nearly 10% of all collisions involving a commercial truck, the truck driver reported feeling under pressure from their employer. The family of any person who is killed in a garbage truck accident may have recourse through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Brooklyn Garbage Truck Collisions
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to the family of the woman who died in this collision. This was a preventable tragedy that should’ve never taken place. Any person who may have more information should reach out to the NYPD. It is our sincere hope that city leaders will consider measures to help make this roadway safer.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a garbage truck collision? You may have legal recourse. Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here to answer any questions. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are owed under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
