Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | September 9, 2021 | Pedestrian Accidents
According to a New York Daily News report, a Manhattan pedestrian accident on August 7, 2021, claimed one life and injured three other people.
Virginia Morales, a 36-year-old woman, was crossing the street at Audubon Avenue and W. 183rd Street in Washington Heights at about 9:40 p.m. A vehicle turning left onto W. 183rd Street struck Ms. Morales and the other people with her.
Ms. Morales sustained a severe head injury. She was transported to Harlem Hospital. Tragically, she died three days later from her injuries.
The driver, Alexandra Tapia, who is 21 years old, fled the scene of the pedestrian accident after striking Ms. Morales and the other individuals in her group. Tapia surrendered to law enforcement authorities later that night, accompanied by her lawyer.
Tapia was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. However, those charges are likely to be upgraded now that Ms. Morales has passed away.
Ms. Morales was walking with her 8-year-old son, her best friend, and her best friend’s 9-year-old son. All three of them were injured in the accident but are expected to recover from their injuries.
Pedestrian Deaths Increased Again in 2020
Pedestrian fatalities have been increasing each year for the past several years. According to the GHSA, 2020 saw the largest annual increase in the rate of pedestrian deaths. The preliminary data projected 6,721 pedestrian fatalities in 2020.
New York had the sixth-highest number of pedestrian deaths in 2020, according to the report. The projected number of pedestrian fatalities in New York in 2020 is 235.
The GHSA has been tracking pedestrian safety trends. According to a report, pedestrian deaths have increased by 46 percent from 2010 through 2019. On the other hand, all other traffic deaths increased by just five percent during the same period.
The increase in pedestrian deaths over the last decade is a troubling trend. While many cities work to make streets safer for pedestrians, it seems as if the efforts are not working. Pedestrians need to take measures to protect themselves by remaining alert and following pedestrian safety tips.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Happen in New York City?
Most pedestrian accidents are caused by human error and negligence. Drivers and pedestrians are distracted, which increases the risk of an accident. They also may drive and walk after drinking or taking drugs.
Speed is another factor in many pedestrian accidents and could account for some of the increase in pedestrian deaths. As the speed of a vehicle increases, the risk of an accident and severe injury also increases.
Drowsy driving, congested traffic, and poorly designed intersections may also contribute to the cause of a pedestrian accident.
Pedestrians Sustain Severe Injuries in an Accident
A pedestrian does not have any protection from the blunt force of a motor vehicle. Therefore, a pedestrian is likely to sustain catastrophic injuries and life-threatening conditions in a car accident. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, pickup trucks, buses, and commercial trucks, increase the risk of death and permanent impairments.
Pedestrians are likely to sustain multiple injuries in a car accident. Some common injuries include:
- Broken bones and fractures
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations and disfigurement
- Amputations
- Paralysis
- Internal organ damage and bleeding
- Crush injuries
- Neck and back injuries
The types of damages caused by a pedestrian accident include physical injuries. However, they also include the emotional and mental distress caused by the accident.
An NYC pedestrian accident lawyer can help you gather evidence proving that another driver was responsible for causing the accident.
What Should You Do After a Pedestrian Accident in New York City?
In many cases, the pedestrian’s injuries require immediate medical attention. Therefore, it might not be possible to document the accident scene by taking photographs.
However, if possible, ask eyewitnesses to give you their names and contact information before they leave. Eyewitness statements are powerful pieces of evidence that can help you win your personal injury case.
Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and seek additional medical care as needed. Document your injuries through photographs, notes, and medical visits. Also, keep detailed records of your economic damages so you can seek reimbursement for these financial losses.
Suppose you sustained severe injuries, developed a permanent impairment, or the insurance company refuses to compensate you for damages. In that case, you might want to consult with a pedestrian accident lawyer for legal advice.
Contact Our NYC Personal Injury Lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Open 24 hours.
