Young boy dies after pedestrian accident in New York

A recent review by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicated that children, in particular, are quite vulnerable to crashes involving vehicles that are backing up. The report also states that children under the age of 5 account for approximately 44 percent of the deaths caused by these type of accidents. A recent pedestrian accident in New York tragically claimed the life of a young boy after he was struck by a reversing minivan.

A 5-year-old boy became the victim of a fatal pedestrian accident while attempting to cross the road with his mother. According to reports, the family was almost to the sidewalk leading to their New York apartment when a parking vehicle began to reverse. A minivan struck the young boy and initially drove away without stopping.

Witnesses chased the driver of the van and convinced her to return to the scene of the accident. The woman was arrested on multiple charges. This accident follows similar crashes that have occurred in recent months, drawing further attention to the city’s traffic safety issues.

In addition to the criminal charges already filed, the driver responsible for the tragic pedestrian accident could also be facing a wrongful death lawsuit in civil court. In New York, the surviving family members of accident victims reserve the right to seek restitution for financial losses suffered as a result of another party’s negligence. The unexpected cost that often stems from a fatal accident can place heavy financial burdens on the surviving family members. A successful wrongful death claim, based on proof of negligence, may be able to provide the family assistance in their financial recovery, allowing them to properly grieve the loss of their loved one.

Source: The New York Times, Death of Brooklyn Boy Latest in Spate as City Turns to Traffic Safety, Matt Flegenheimer, March 17, 2014