Preliminary figures show a slight decrease in the number of cyclists and pedestrians who were fatally injured in the New York City area from 2011 to 2012. However, motorists who are responsible for those deaths too often evade responsibility.
Although the official tally has yet to be released by the Department of Motor Vehicles, preliminary data indicate that 136 pedestrians and 19 cyclists were killed in collisions involving motor vehicles in 2012 compared with 143 and 22, respectively, the previous year. In terms of numbers, Brooklyn appears to be the most dangerous area of New York City for cyclists and pedestrians with 48 deaths, followed by Manhattan with 41 and Queens with 40 fatalities. Although it appears that the number of fatalities fell in 2012, the overall number of injuries may have increased. A total of 11,621 pedestrians and 3,844 cyclists were injured in motor vehicle collisions in 2012, compared with 10,660 pedestrian injuries and 3,504 cyclist injuries in 2011.
More disturbing are the statistics relating to culpability for these injuries and deaths. Much has been made in the press—and for good reason— about the fact that few motorists are ever charged when they injure a cyclist or pedestrian. The NYPD has come under fire because of its current policy of not investigating a pedestrian or cyclist accident unless the victim is “dead or likely to die.” As a result, a significant percentage of the motorists who cause, or contribute to, a pedestrian or cyclist accident do not face criminal violations.
Pressure from numerous sources may cause the NYPD to review and revise its policy. In the meantime, a pedestrian or cyclist injured in an accident in New York City does have another option – compensation through a civil personal injury lawsuit.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a New York car collision or a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the New York accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., to find out what legal options you may have. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area including a new office in Queens, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 or filling out our online contact form.