Brooklyn Bus Accident: Female Bicyclist Injured In Brooklyn Dollar Van Accident By Avenue U and Flatbush Avenue Near Kings Plaza
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (March 8, 2020) – A female bicyclist was critically injured in an accident with a Dollar-Van near the intersection of Avenue U and Flatbush Avenue by Kings Plaza.
New York Police Department officials are saying that the accident took place around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. For reasons that remain under investigation an unlicensed Dollar-Van driver hit the bicyclist and then left the scene.
The force of the impact knocked the woman off of her bicycle. An image of the accident showed the purple bicycle lodged underneath the Dollar-Van.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. She was taken to the Kings County Hospital with major injuries.
The driver of the Dollar-Van was arrested for failing to exercise due care and the aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle. An investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Brooklyn Car Accidents
Transport vans are considered “common carriers” under the law. A common carrier is any company public or private that transports goods or people for a profit. Common carriers are held to a high standard in terms of safety. According to Squaw Valley Ski Corporation v. Superior Court, “The elevated standard of care for common carriers is “based on a recognition that the privilege of serving the public as a common carrier necessarily entails great responsibility, requiring common carriers to exercise a high duty of care towards their customers.” A number of factors have a positive correlation with the likelihood of a pedestrian accident:
- Vehicle: Brake problems
- Driver: Unfamiliar with roadway
- Driver: Made illegal maneuver
- Driver: External distraction
- Driver: Following too close
- Driver: Illegal drugs
All drivers are expected to exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians. According to New York Vehicle Code 1146, ” Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, pedestrian, or domestic animal upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.” Bicyclists are often particularly at risk in car accidents because they have a small profile.
There are a number of sources of potential liability for an accident. If a transport company fails to properly check the license of their drivers they could be liable. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior companies are generally liable for the negligent actions of their employees. It’s important that evidence is properly collected after an accident. Victims of car accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head trauma
- Lacerations
Many of the injuries associated with car accidents are not always physical. According to Family Doctor, “For most people who are in a traffic accident, the overwhelming feelings go away over time. Sometimes those feelings don’t go away or they become stronger. They can change the way you think and act. Strong feelings that stay with you for a long time and get in the way of everyday life are signs of post-traumatic stress.” Any person that is injured in a car accident may have legal recourse through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills and pain and suffering. A car accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case free of cost and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brooklyn Dollar-Van Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the woman injured in this accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the police as they continue their investigation. This was a preventable accident that should not have happened. It is our sincere hope that city officials will consider measures to help make this stretch of road safer.
