Pickup Truck vs. Pedestrian Accidents in Manhattan Are Getting Out of Control

Pickup trucks are barreling into pedestrians at a worrying pace in Manhattan. These vehicles pose perhaps the greatest imaginable threat to pedestrians, and they can easily cause fatal or catastrophic injuries. Why are so many trucks veering onto sidewalks in New York? What can you do if a pickup truck hurts you or someone you love? These are questions you might want to ask a pedestrian accident lawyer in New York.

Two Pedestrians Injured After Pickup Truck Veers Onto Sidewalk 

In August of 2024, ABC News reported that a pickup truck had veered onto a Manhattan sidewalk – injuring two pedestrians. One of these two pedestrians is a police officer, and both were hospitalized with serious injuries. Both are expected to survive, and witnesses say that they narrowly missed being crushed by the truck.

The driver was a woman who was reportedly learning how to drive, and she was attempting to park the truck while being instructed by the owner of the vehicle. Due to her unfamiliarity with driving, she confused the gas pedal for the brake. It was at this moment that she surged onto the sidewalk, hit a fire hydrant, and struck the two pedestrians. The truck finally came to a halt after hitting a UPS van. The woman states that she feels terrible about what happened to the pedestrians – and the truck owner admits that he should have been the one driving.

This comes just a few months after another pickup truck driver plowed into a group of people during a Fourth of July celebration in Manhattan. This crash was more serious, claiming the lives of four people and injuring many others.

Pedestrians Are Extremely Vulnerable to Pickup Trucks 

Of all the vehicles on the road in Manhattan, pickup trucks pose perhaps the greatest danger to pedestrians. This is primarily due to their height, as pedestrians can easily go underneath the wheels. In contrast, a smaller sedan tends to send pedestrians flying over the top of hoods and windshields.

Witnesses noted that when the aforementioned truck went onto the Manhattan sidewalk, the pedestrians narrowly avoided being crushed underneath. One even stated that the police officer’s head narrowly missed one of the truck’s wheels.

 Key Takeaways 

• According to various statistics, pickup trucks are highly likely to kill pedestrians
• Numerous pickup trucks have plowed into groups of pedestrians in New York
• Pedestrians are more likely to slip underneath pickup trucks after impacts

Schedule a Consultation With Cohan Law, PLLC 

If you’re serious about pursuing compensation for a pedestrian accident in Manhattan, consider a consultation with Cohan Law, PLLC. We know just how destructive pickup trucks can be, especially when they veer onto sidewalks and other public areas. With our help, you can hold negligent drivers accountable and recover the compensation you need. Reach out today to discuss your legal options in more detail.

Sources: 

abc7ny.com/post/pickup-truck-plows-2-pedestrians-walking-street-hamilton-heights-manhattan/15147451/

ca.news.yahoo.com/fourth-person-dies-truck-plowed-125954723.html