For individuals who travel on foot, risks of accidents and injuries are everywhere. A person could trip or slip and fall while walking, or a driver could cause an accident involving a pedestrian. In the latter case, pedestrians typically have little defense against the speed and weight of a vehicle, even one moving at a slower speed. Regrettably, this type of pedestrian accident often proves fatal.
It was recently reported that one woman lost her life in an accident in New York. There were few specific details regarding the accident, but the report did state that authorities arrived at the scene just after 10 p.m. Apparently, the woman was attempting to cross a turnpike when she was hit by a vehicle. It appears that the driver remained on the scene after the incident.
The accident was still under investigation at the time of the report, but the following details were provided regarding the victim:
- She was transported from the scene by ambulance to an area hospital.
- She was declared deceased after arriving at the hospital.
- Her age and identifying information were withheld.
It was not mentioned whether any criminal charges may result from this fatal pedestrian accident. Still, the family of the New York woman killed in this incident may have legal options worth considering, though crossing a turnpike on foot at 10 p.m. raises the possibility of contributory negligence. Filing a wrongful death claim against the driver considered at fault could be warranted, and it could allow the family to seek compensation for damages resulting from the harrowing incident, including those relating to final medical bills, funeral arrangement expenses and more.