Pedestrian Died in Midtown, Manhattan Car Collision

NYPD Searching for Driver Involved in Midtown, Manhattan Car Accident by 40th Street and Fifth Avenue

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (January 28, 2026) – A pedestrian tragically died in a Midtown, Manhattan car accident near the intersection of 40th Street and Fifth Avenue.

New York City officials are saying that the accident took place around 2:40 PM on Wednesday. Two pedestrians were walking through the intersection when they were hit by a van.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene of the accident to help the victims. One person was taken to Bellevue Hospital in critical condition.

The other victim was pronounced dead at the scene. A full investigation into the cause of the Manhattan pedestrian accident remains ongoing.

Liability for Manhattan Pedestrian Accidents

Many people are seriously injured or killed in pedestrian accidents each year.  According to the NHTSA, “Pedestrian fatalities per year steadily decreased from the late 1970s to 2009 when the United States reached a low of 4,109 deaths (Reish, 2021; Schneider, 2020). However, the number of pedestrian fatalities has increased since 2009, leading to a 5-year average of 6,502 pedestrian deaths during the 5 most recent years (2017 to 2021).” It is important that certain steps are taken after any pedestrian accident.

• Victims should seek a thorough medical evaluation.
• Eyewitnesses to the accident should be interviewed.
• Surveillance footage of the accident should be sought.
• The family of any person who died should seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.

All drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians in the roadway. If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with any pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Negligence is the failure to operate with the diligence necessary to avoid causing harm. The family of any person who died in a car accident may be able to pursue damages through a wrongful death claim.

Investigating Manhattan Pedestrian Accidents

We at GLK Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of the pedestrian who died in this crash. It is our sincere hope that the other victim will be able to make a full recovery. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.

Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Manhattan pedestrian accident? You may have legal recourse. Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help. 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.