Pedicabs are a common sight on New York City’s streets as they move their passengers at sedate speeds to their destinations. Unfortunately, pedicabs are forced to compete for space on the City’s streets with more conventional types of vehicles. Two weeks ago, this competition resulted in a serious collision that killed one person and sent three to the hospital.
The accident
The pedicab was headed east on E. 42nd Street near 5th Avenue at about 11:15 on Friday. The cab was hauling three passengers. As it approached 5th Avenue, the pedicab was struck in the rear by a 2017 Toyota pickup truck. The collision threw the pedicab driver into the street, and injured the three passengers, a 46-year old woman and two 14-year-old girls.
The four victims were all taken to Bellevue Hospital. The pedicab driver was pronounce dead at the hospital.
Apprehending the pickup truck driver
After the collision, the driver of the pickup truck attempted to evade police by speeding south on Madison Avenue. Soon after the crash, police found the red pickup truck parked in front of a high-rise condo in Kips Bay. The driver of the truck was arrested and charged with vehicular manslaughter, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and reckless driving.
Liability
Given the criminal charges against the pickup driver, his liability for the accident cannot be in doubt. The driver of the pedicab and his employer may also share in liability if the cab was in violation of the regulations that govern the operation of pedicabs on city streets.
Anyone who has been injured or lost a loved one in a similar accident may want to pursue a claim for damages. The advice of an experienced auto accident attorney may help by evaluating the evidence and an estimate of the likelihood of recovering damages for medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.