Elderly Woman Killed In Upper East Side Pedestrian Accident

Investigation Underway After 90-Year-OId Woman Died in Upper East Side Car Accident by York Avenue

UPPER EAST SIDE, NEW YORK (March 8, 2025) – A 90-year-old woman has tragically died in an Upper East Side car accident near the intersection of York Avenue and E. 72nd Street.

New York City officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:41 PM on Wednesday. An elderly woman was struck as she was crossing the street and then subsequently struck by a second large vehicle.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. She was rushed to New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center.

However, she was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Both drivers involved in the collision remained at the scene.

Liability for New York City Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians lack the protection of enclosed vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked. According to the National Safety Council, “in 2022 most pedestrian traffic deaths occurred in urban settings (84%), on the open road (76%) versus intersections (24%), and during dark conditions with or without artificial lighting (74%). The largest number of pedestrian deaths occur on Saturdays (1,278), closely followed by Fridays (1,121).” There are a number of factors that could contribute to a pedestrian accident.

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Poor road conditions
• Inclement weather

All drivers have a legal obligation to exercise care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. 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 fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Cities can take a number of measures in order to reduce pedestrian collisions.

• Cities can create pedestrian refuge islands.
• Cities can heavily enforce traffic citations likely to lead to pedestrian collisions.
• Cities can ensure that all intersections are well illuminated.
• Cities can install traffic-calming measures at locations known for speeding.

Pedestrian collisions are often highly preventable. They tend to involve drivers that are distracted or otherwise not traveling at a safe speed. In many situations, drivers may simply not adequately scan the road ahead of them for hazards. The family of any person who is killed in a pedestrian accident may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Upper East Side Pedestrian Accidents

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the woman who died in this Upper East Side pedestrian accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong for the sake of the victim’s family.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an Upper East Side pedestrian accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their wrongful actions. You can reach out to our office anytime at (516) 908-9792.