The members of the Raphaelson & Levine Law Firm were saddened to learn a 40-year-old mother and her 10-year-old son were the victims of a tragic pedestrian accident on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2020 as they were walking to school.
Tragedy Strikes Mother and Son in Queens
At approximately 7 a.m., a city sanitation truck was pulling out of a driveway and was making a right turn in Corona, Queens onto 57th Avenue near 97th Street. The mother and son were crossing the street in this location and were hit by two right wheels. Witnesses report the boy was immediately unconscious upon being struck and his mother, who’s leg had been run over, had frantically tried to get to him.
A witness who was on the scene of the accident told ABC News 7 he called 911 immediately. Witnesses recounted at least one person screaming, “Stop, stop, you hit them!” to the driver, who allegedly did not slow down. CBS News reported another witness saying, “She [the mother] was trying to reach out for the baby, but she couldn’t because the leg was broken,” said the second witness. “Everybody was shocked looking at the kid, because he was not responding.”
Both victims were rushed to Elmhurst Hospital by emergency responders. According to authorities, the boy was crushed and he suffered internal injuries throughout his body. Sadly, he died at the hospital four hours later. His mother suffered severe damage to one of her legs, and remains in critical, but stable, condition on Tuesday afternoon. It is reported the 40-year-old woman is expected to survive.
At this time, the names of the two victims have not been publicized. The driver, also unnamed but identified as a 44-year-old NYC Sanitation Department employee, remained on the scene of the accident and appeared to be cooperating with authorities.
No charges had been immediately issued at the scene of the accident by initial media reports. Police say the investigation is ongoing.
The NYC Sanitation Department released a statement saying, "We take this tragedy extremely seriously and the collision is currently under investigation." The agency referred questions to the New York Police Department. The driver has reportedly been suspended pending the outcome of the official investigation.
The law firm of Raphaelson & Levine was deeply saddened to learn about this most recent pedestrian accident tragedy. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims in the wake of this terrible incident.
New York City Pedestrian Accidents
Unfortunately, pedestrian accidents, including hit and run accidents, are common events in New York City. In December 2019 alone, six pedestrians were killed within a 72-hour time frame, bringing the total number of pedestrian fatalities in NYC to 117 victims as of Dec. 22, 2019.
Furthermore, according to city officials, 57% of older adult pedestrian and 72% of children pedestrian fatalities occur in crashes within 10 blocks of the victims’ homes. Sadly, many of these accidents are wrongful deaths that could have been prevented.
Last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced officials were going to push harder on Vision Zero going forward, noting the program's successes over the six years it has been in place.
"While pedestrian deaths are down from 2016, it is clear, there are still far too many of these tragic accidents occurring every year in the city and more work needs to be done to prevent people from being hurt or killed by careless, distracted, or inattentive drivers." — Howard Raphaelson, NYC Personal Injury Lawyer at Raphaelson & Levine
How a Pedestrian Accident Attorney Can Help
In the wake of an accident, especially one where serious medical circumstances or complications arise, it’s important for victims to have someone by their side to protect their rights and ensure they and/or their loved ones, receive the treatment and medical care they need.
If you or a loved one have been impacted by a pedestrian accident, you deserve justice for the damages and emotional trauma that you've suffered. The attorneys at Raphaelson & Levine offer compassionate and knowledgeable representation to the pedestrian, cyclist, and motor vehicle accident victims and their families. To learn more about pedestrian accident results or to receive a free legal consultation, please call us at 212-268-3222.
