Manhattan Brinks Truck Accident: 85-Year-Old Woman Injured In Manhattan Brinks Armored Truck Accident Near West 61st Street and Broadway In Upper West Side Near Columbus Circle
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (December 7, 2019) – An 85-year-old woman was seriously injured in an accident with a Brinks armored truck on the Upper West Side by 61st Street and Broadway near Columbus Circle.
New York State Police are saying that the accident took place around 3:00 p.m. For reasons that remain under investigation the Brinks armored truck hit the woman as it was making a left turn.
One witness told reporters that the driver backed up on accident and ran over the victim’s leg a second time. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the pedestrian.
The victim was pinned under the wheel of the Brinks truck and taken to the New York-Presbyterian Hospital where she was listed in critical condition. It remains unclear if alcohol or drugs may have been a factor in the crash.
However, the driver of the Brinks armored truck was given a field sobriety test by police officers. An investigation into the Upper West Side truck accident by Columbus Circle remains ongoing.
Liability In Manhattan Brinks Armored Truck Accidents
According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, “almost 129,000 pedestrians were treated in emergency departments for non-fatal crash-related injuries in 2015. Pedestrians are 1.5 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to be killed in a car crash on each trip.” Pedestrians aged 65 and older were at an increased risk of being involved in an accident. Trucks are more likely to be involved in pedestrian accidents due to their broad turning radius and large blind spots.
Drivers in New York have a legal obligation to yield the right of way to pedestrians before making left turns. 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.” There are a number of reasons that truck drivers make dangerous left-turns including:
- Driver distraction
- Driver fatigue
- Driver intoxication
- Failure to check blind spots
Drivers for Brinks armored trucks are held to a very high standard in terms of safety. For example, commercial drivers are held to a more strict standard in terms of what is considered “legally intoxicated.” According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “The FMCSA has established 0.04% as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above which a CDL commercial motor vehicle operator who is required to have a CDL, and is operating a commercial motor vehicle, is deemed to be driving under the influence of alcohol and subject to the disqualification sanctions in the Federal regulations.” Victims of truck accidents often suffer very serious and lasting injuries including:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Hip injuries
- Nerve damage
- Head trauma
- PTSD
Any person that is injured in an accident with a Brinks armored truck may be able to seek justice through a bodily injury claim. Damages in a civil claim can help cover lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and potential punitive awards. It’s important that evidence is properly preserved and collected after an accident. Unfortunately, truck companies will often fight vehemently to deny any liability for pedestrian accidents. A Manhattan truck 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 Manhattan Brinks Armored Truck Accident
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the woman injured in this horrific accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to the NYPD as they continue their investigation. It is our sincere hope that measures are put in place to help make this stretch of road safer. Accidents like this can largely be prevented when drivers simply learn to slow down and share the road with pedestrians.
If you or someone that you care about has been injured in a truck accident you may have legal recourse. Our team of Manhattan personal injury attorneys are here to answer any legal questions that you may have. We are committed to making sure that accident victims are aware of their rights and that truck drivers are held to account for their actions. Whether you just have questions about the law or need a free, independent investigation into an accident we are here for you. You’re always welcome to reach out to us anytime at 212-471-5106.
