Driver May Not Have Seen Victim Before Fatal Crash on Van Wyck Expressway in Queens
QUEENS, NEW YORK (December 6, 2024) – A 41-year-old man has tragically died in a Queens pedestrian collision in the southbound lanes on the Van Wyck Expressway.
New York City officials are saying that the incident took place around 11:35 a.m. on Tuesday. A man exited his vehicle and was struck by a passing vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle that hit him may not have realized what happened. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
He was taken to New York-Presbyterian Queens where he later died due to his injuries.
Liability For Queens Car Accidents
Speeding remains one of the most common causes of car accidents in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “Speeding was a factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, killing 12,151, or an average of over 33 people on a typical day. The total number of fatal motor-vehicle crashes attributable to speeding was 10,922.” Other factors could contribute to a crash.
- Driver intoxication
- Poor road conditions
- Left turns
- Driver fatigue
Drivers must use caution in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. This is true even if those pedestrians are in the middle of the road. If a driver fails to slow down in order to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Cities should take a number of measures in order to prevent pedestrian collisions.
- Roadways and intersections should be well illuminated.
- City officials should install traffic calming measures in areas known for speeding.
- City officials should study which intersections and roadways are most prone to pedestrian collisions.
Most pedestrian collisions are totally preventable. They tend to occur because a driver is committing a traffic infraction. Depending on the facts of any case, there could be numerous sources of liability for a pedestrian collision. The family of any person who died in a pedestrian crash may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.
Investigating New York City Pedestrian Accidents
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian killed in this crash. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our hope that steps are taken to prevent similar tragedies.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a New York City pedestrian accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
