Walking through traffic in New York is always a dangerous activity, as anyone who does so places an implicit level of trust in other pedestrians and motorists not to make a mistake.  In addition, the law requires that those who do make a mistake and cause an accident stop and render the appropriate aid by contacting rescue workers to help those who have been harmed.  Tragically, a pedestrian paid the ultimate price for such a mistake on Friday night, and to make matters worse, the driver in a Washington Heights pedestrian accident fled the scene.

According to police, the latest fatal New York pedestrian accident occurred on Friday just before 3 a.m. when Alberto Altamirano was attempting to cross Broadway.  According to witnesses, the victim was run down by a motorist and the impact was so forceful that the vehicle sent him flying into a nearby light pole.  Mr. Altamirano hit the pole head-first, and he was killed at the scene.  The driver in the New York pedestrian accident fled after the crash, and police are looking for the suspect.

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First, we'd like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Altamirano.  Losing a life in this violent and sudden manner is always tragic, and the situation is only made worse by the fact that police will have to spend time locating the driver.  More often than not, drivers in New York hit-and-run accidents are apprehended at some point.  This Broadway pedestrian accident will also add to the overall statistics regarding New York pedestrian accidents state-wide.  Every year, more than 15,000 such accidents occur, leading to nearly as many injuries and more than 300 fatalities.

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers

If the driver is identified, he or she will likely face significant criminal liability.  However, that doesn't mean that the family of the man who was killed could not also bring a New York wrongful death action against the driver.  If such a claim was successful, the family could be awarded damages for medical, funeral and burial costs as well as lost income and other damages. 

Anyone who has lost a loved one as a result of a New York hit-and-run accident should not hesitate to seek the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have been successfully fighting for the rights of suffering families for almost 40 years.  If this includes you, contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today at 1-800-323-9900 to schedule a free initial consultation.