16-Year-Old Boy Tragically Killed In Queens Citi Bike Car Accident By The Intersection of 21st Street and 21st Avenue
QUEENS, NEW YORK (April 12, 2023) – A 16-year-old boy has tragically died in a Queens hit-and-run car accident while riding a Citi Bike by 21st Street and 21st Avenue.
New York City police officials are saying that the accident took place around 9:30 p.m. on Monday. A 16-year-old boy was riding a Citi Bike when he was hit by a BMW X7.
The driver of the BMW fled the scene and is currently being sought by police. Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures, the bicyclist died after being taken to NYC Health and Hospitals Harlem. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Queens Hit-And-Run Car Accidents
Far too many bicyclists are killed or seriously injured every year in New York City. According to Bicycling, “Last year, 27 cyclists were hit and killed by drivers on the streets of New York City, up from 10 deaths in 2018.” The vast majority of bicycle collisions are avoidable and involve some amount of human error. There are a number of steps that drivers should take in order to avoid hitting bicyclists.
- Drivers should check their blind spots before turning.
- Drivers should reduce their speed in areas with heavy bicycle or pedestrian traffic.
- Drivers should maintain at least 3 feet of separation from bicyclists in bicycle lanes.
Every driver has a legal obligation to slow down to avoid hitting bicyclists in the roadway. 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 driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a bicyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Drivers that flee collisions could also face criminal liability for their actions.
Investigating A Queens Bicycle Accident
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the bicyclist that died in this collision. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to the NYPD. The driver responsible for this crash should do the right thing and turn themselves in.
Do you need more information about a Queens bicycle accident? Our team of bicycle safety advocates are here for you. 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 after any accident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
