Pedro Lopez Brooklyn: Pedro Lopez Killed In Brooklyn Truck Accident While Riding Bicycle on Vandervoort Avenue In East Williamsburg
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (February 9, 2020) – A 41-year-old bicyclist identified as Pedro Lopez has tragically died in a flatbed truck accident along Vandervoort Avenue by Rewe Street.
New York police officials are saying that the collision occurred around 2:30 p.m. and was captured on surveillance video. For reasons that remain under investigation the driver of a flatbed truck made an illegal u-turn and hit Pedro Lopez.
The flatbed truck then crashed into several other vehicles as they were attempting to turn into a business. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene in order to help the victim.
Despite life-saving measures Pedro Lopez later died due to his injuries at the hospital. The driver of the 2005 Isuzu flatbed truck remained at the scene and cooperated with police. No tickets were issued to the driver.
An investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Brooklyn Truck Accidents
Truck drivers are held to a very high standard in terms of safety. Truck drivers must get a commercial license and undergo knowledge and skill tests. Truck drivers must also get a physical every two years to ensure that they are healthy enough to drive. Federal and state laws prohibit truck drivers from operating their vehicles with a BAC of 0.04 or higher. If a truck driver hits a cyclist while making a u-turn or left turn they will typically be found at fault.
According to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law (Sec. 1411), “The driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left within an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway shall yield the right of way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” U-turn accidents typically happen when drivers are:
- Distracted
- Fatigued
- Intoxicated
- Speeding
- Unfamiliar with the roadway
Drivers that fail to avoid hitting pedestrians or cyclists may face civil or even criminal fines. 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. For the purposes of this section, the term “domestic animal” shall mean domesticated sheep, cattle, and goats which are under the supervision and control of a pedestrian.”
The family of any victim that died in a truck accident may be able to seek justice through a wrongful death claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost wages and loss of love. Potential beneficiaries in a civil claim may include a victim’s parents, spouse, children and siblings. Unfortunately, truck companies will often use various tactics to deny liability or avoid responsibility for an accident. A truck accident attorney can investigate your case free of cost and get you the answers that you deserve about what went wrong. Family members will also typically be eligible to receive a police report about the accident.
Investigating A Brooklyn Semi-Truck Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our deepest condolences to the family of Pedro Lopez. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the NYPD at (718) 636-6611. This was a preventable tragedy that should never have taken place. It is outrageous that no tickets were issued after this incident. There needs to be some accountability for the sake of the victim’s family and all of those who have lost so much.
