When someone in the city is moving around on foot, they are among countless people doing the same thing at any given time, even at 4:30 a.m.  When someone crosses a street in the crosswalk, they should be able to trust that they will not be run down by a motorist.  Even if they are hit, they should be able to rely on the law that requires that motorist to remain on the scene.  Tragically, it appears none of that occurred recently when a young man was hit and killed in a Bronx hit-and-run accident.

According to police, this Bronx hit-and-run accident occurred on Sunday at approximately 4 a.m. when 23-year-old Thomas Riley was attempting to cross East Fordham Road at Bathgate Avenue near Fordham University when he was hit and killed by a vehicle allegedly being driven by Seth Johnson.  Johnson was arrested on suspicion of leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence, and police are continuing their investigation. 

New York Pedestrian Accident Statistics

First and foremost, we'd like to offer our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the young man who was killed.  Reports indicate that the pedestrian is survived by a young son, and we hope that there are many people available to help him and others who were close to the victim through this difficult time.  In addition, this Bronx pedestrian accident will now become part of the overall statistics regarding New York pedestrian accidents.  Every year, more than 15,000 such crashes occur, leading to nearly as many injuries and to more than 300 fatalities.

New York Wrongful Death Lawyers

Clearly, the driver involved in this Bronx hit-and-run accident will face serious criminal charges if he is indicted.  In addition, this crash could lead to the filing of a New York wrongful death lawsuit against the driver by the family of the man who was killed.  If such a lawsuit is filed and is successful, it could lead to an award of damages that compensates the family for their medical, funeral and burial costs as well as their lost income and their loss of companionship. 

If you have lost someone you love in a crash, you need to seek the help of New York wrongful death lawyers who have been holding those responsible for these tragic losses accountable for 40 years.  Contact Fitzgerald & Fitzgerald today to schedule a free initial consultation.