Eric Salitsky, 35, Died In Borough Park, Brooklyn Garbage Truck Accident While Riding Bicycle on Ninth Avenue near New Utrecht Avenue
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (July 14, 2022) – A bicyclist identified as Eric Salitsky has tragically died in a Brooklyn garbage truck accident on Ninth Avenue.
New York City police officers are saying that the accident took place around 8:22 a.m. on Wednesday. Eric Salitsky was riding a bicycle when he was hit by a private garbage truck.
Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident in order to help the victim. Eric Salitsky was transported to the Maimonides Medical Center with a major head injury.
Sadly, he died not long after being admitted to the hospital. The driver of the garbage truck told police officers he was unaware that he hit anyone.
A full investigation remains ongoing.
Liability In Brooklyn Garbage Truck Accidents
Private garbage trucks tend to have a much worse safety record than their public counterparts. According to one report by the New York Times, there were 43 fatal private garbage truck accidents in New York over a 7 year period. During that same period, city owned garbage trucks were only involved in one fatal collision. Private garbage trucks often push drivers to complete their routes as quickly as possible. This inevitably leads to lapses in safety protocols. There are a number of steps that garbage truck drivers should take in order to avoid collisions.
- Garbage truck drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- All garbage truck companies should properly train their drivers.
- Police officials should heavily enforce traffic violations likely to lead to pedestrian collisions.
Garbage truck drivers must do everything in their power to avoid causing accidents. Pursuant to New York Vehicle Code 1146, all drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists and domestic animals in the roadway. If a garbage truck driver went past a yield sign without yielding prior to an accident, this may be considered prima facie evidence of their failure to yield.
If a garbage truck driver was working at the time of a collision, the company that they were working for could potentially be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful acts of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any garbage truck accident.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- A thorough, independent investigation should be conducted.
The family of any victim that died in a garbage truck accident may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover many of the unexpected expenses that come with the sudden loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, garbage truck companies will often fight hard to deny liability for any collision. A wrongful death attorney can examine all of the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brooklyn Garbage Truck Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of Eric Salitsky. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. There needs to be a thorough investigation for the sake of the victim’s family.
Do you need more information about a Brooklyn garbage truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free investigation into any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
