Investigation Underway After Pedestrian Died in Williamsburg Dump Truck Collision by Woodpoint Avenue and Withers Street
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (March 8, 2024) – A pedestrian was killed in a Williamsburg, Brooklyn dump truck accident near the intersection of Woodpoint Avenue and Withers Street.
New York City officials are saying that the accident took place around 4 AM on Saturday. A pedestrian was crossing the street when they were hit by a dump truck.
The driver of the dump truck did not remain at the scene. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim.
The man was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for New York City Dump Truck Accidents
Thousands of people are killed in truck accidents every year. According to the National Safety Council, “In 2022, 5,837 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 1.8% increase from 2021 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. The involvement rate per 100 million large-truck miles traveled is up 3% from 2021, and up 24% in the last 10 years.” Dump trucks can be particularly dangerous for pedestrians.
- Dump trucks have large blind spots that can obscure the presence of pedestrians.
- Dump trucks have a high center of gravity that can lead pedestrians to be pulled under the vehicle.
- Dump trucks can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and have long stopping distances.
Dump truck drivers will typically need to get a commercial driver’s license. They are therefore held to a high standard in terms of safety. They must operate their vehicle at a safe speed at all times and slow down to avoid hitting pedestrians. It doesn’t matter if a pedestrian is outside of a marked crosswalk. If a dump truck driver fails to slow down to avoid a pedestrian roadway, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Victims of dump truck accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries.
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
Depending on the facts of any case, liability for a dump truck collision could extend beyond any driver. The company that a dump truck driver worked for could also be held at fault. Generally speaking, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees who are operating within the scope and course of their job duties. The family of any person killed in a dump truck collision may be able to seek some measure of justice through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Brooklyn Dump Truck Collisions
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this Williamsburg dump truck accident. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. The driver of the dump truck should do the right thing and come forward if they have not already. It is never too late to do the right thing.
Do you need more information about a Williamsburg dump truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the support and justice that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you 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.
