SUV Hits and Kills Pedestrian in New York City

An SUV reportedly crashed into another vehicle and then plowed into a pedestrian after being thrust onto the curb. The recent accident occurred in Hell’s Kitchen where a southbound GMC Envoy collided with a similarly southbound Freightliner truck. The accident caused the SUV to jump the curb, striking a 56-year-old man from the Bronx. Emergency personnel took the victim to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. According to police, both drivers took and passed a Breathalyzer test at the scene.

Although pedestrian fatalities in New York have declined in recent years, this recent accident affirms that pedestrians continue to face very real dangers. When a larger vehicle like an SUV is involved in a crash, the likelihood of severe injury or death increases.

According to research, when pedestrian are struck by SUVs, they are twice as likely to be killed compared to incidents involving smaller vehicles travelling at the same speed. With SUVs, light trucks and vans comprising half of the vehicles sold in the United States, this represents a significant risk for pedestrians. The metal bars often mounted at the front of the vehicle also present a special danger to pedestrians when they make contact, as they tend to thrust the body away from instead of up and over the vehicle.

National data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that older individuals (65 years and older) account for nearly 20 percent of all pedestrian deaths, and children also make up a significant portion of all pedestrian-vehicle deaths.

If you’ve suffered an injury in one of these crashes, contact the experienced New York pedestrian accident attorneys at [ln::firm_name] to learn more about your legal options.