Car Hits Pedestrians and Forever 21 Store in NYC

Several people were injured when a car jumped a New York City curb and smashed into the front of a Forever 21 store, according to recent reports. The five injured pedestrians as well as the driver and a passenger were all hospitalized, but none of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. The accident occurred on West 34th Street near 64th Avenue.

It is unclear what caused the driver to lose control and smash into the store. An investigation is ongoing.

Pedestrian Accident Statistics in NYC

New York City regularly posts high accident rates for pedestrians. In 2011, there were 142 pedestrian fatalities in the city; in 2012, there were 152, and in 2013, there were 156. However, 2014 promises to have an even higher rate by the end of the year given current trends. This means that for the past five years, pedestrian fatalities will have shown a steady upward trend.

No one is really sure why pedestrian accident numbers continue to climb. One possible reason is simply a higher number of pedestrians due to fewer people driving. Crowded roads and higher gas prices, as well as the cost of parking and insurance, may lead more people to walk rather than drive, resulting in more opportunities for pedestrians to be hit. Another possible reason is simple overcrowding; as the city’s population continues to swell, there will be more of all types of accidents.

Pedestrian accidents often result in serious injuries such as broken bones, internal bleeding, head trauma and spinal cord injuries. Many pedestrian accident victims, if they survive, need long-term medical care in order to recover. Some will be paralyzed or otherwise disabled for life.

What Should I Do If I Am A Pedestrian Accident Victim?

As the victim of a pedestrian accident, it is very important for you to have the support you need to protect your legal rights and recover compensation if possible. The person who hit you may have a lawyer or insurance company who will stand up for that driver; shouldn’t you have the same protection?

As a victim, you may want to contact a personal injury attorney like those at the Fitzgerald Law Firm in New York. With years of experience protecting the rights of pedestrian accident victims, these attorneys may be able to help you recover money to pay for medical expenses and other costs associated with your accident. Call today for a free consultation.

 

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