Recently in Times Square, at least 15 people were injured when two double-decker tour buses collided; according to news reports, three of the injuries were serious but not life-threatening, while the rest were relatively minor. With the exception of a tour guide on one of the buses, all of the people injured were victims of pedestrian accidents.
At this point, it appears that most of the injuries were caused by a falling light pole, which was knocked over by one of the buses. Debris and glass flew out into the crowded area.
Given the number of pedestrians who travel through Times Square, and the fact that at least one of the buses drove up onto the sidewalk, the pedestrian auto accident could have easily resulted in fatality and a greater number of serious injuries.
NYC pedestrian deaths and injuries
A NYC Department of Transportation report shows that, between 2005-2009, 52% of traffic fatalities in the city were pedestrians. In over a third of the accidents resulting in serious injury or death for a pedestrian, drivers were cited for not paying sufficient attention to the road. In roughly 27% of crashes involving pedestrian fatalities, drivers failed to yield. Unsafe vehicle speed also played a significant role in increasing the chances of pedestrian fatality.
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a plan, called Vision Zero, that aims to reduce the total number of traffic fatalities in NYC to zero by 2024. One approved proposal lowers the city’s default speed limit from 30 to 25 mph. The effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen.
Pedestrians are vulnerable on the road and often struggle with serious injuries and steep expenses after a crash. If you’re injured in an accident as a pedestrian, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in New York. An attorney at Pulvers, Pulvers, Thompson & Friedman, LLP can help you deal with insurance companies and also seek compensation from anyone who is at fault for the accident. The parties at fault could include drivers and, when relevant, the companies that employ them. Your attorney will carefully review what happened and advise you on what to do. If you have any questions contact us for a free personal injury consultation.
