New York cab driver charged in car accident

A pedestrian accident in Midtown has resulted in the arrest of a cab driver, police have reported. New York authorities arrested the 39-year-old cab driver after he apparently struck a woman who was crossing the street. His arrest came as a direct result of a street safety program instituted in New York to help protect pedestrians and other vulnerable people from the consequences of reckless driving, and to avoid a car accident like this one. 

The details of the accident have not been widely disseminated, but it has been confirmed that the 75-year-old pedestrian was crossing Fifth Avenue when the accident took place. The 39-year-old cabbie reportedly struck the woman around 6:30 p.m. He was arrested by police at that time. 

She was rushed to a local hospital with head trauma. It is unknown whether she is expected to survive, but given her advanced age, any injury of this type could have long-term consequences. The man has been charged with failure to yield and exercise due caution. This law is an offshoot of New York’s “Vision Zero” program meant to improve street safety. It is unknown if the man is currently in police custody or if he has been released on bail. 

A New York court will determine the criminal charges regarding this tragic car accident. However, even if he is not convicted, the woman still has legal recourse available to her. She is entitled under state law to file a personal injury lawsuit against him in a civil court. Evidence gathered by the police with respect to the formal charges may be offered in a related civil claim as proof of the cabbie’s negligence and financial responsibility for her injuries. 

Source: New York Daily News, “Cabbie arrested for hitting woman as she crossed NYC street“, Rocco Parascandola, Jan. 23, 2017