Multiple victims in Times Square collision

Accidents in New York City can be more dangerous to pedestrians than those in the vehicle. With the extensive foot traffic in Times Square, any traffic deviation can threaten serious injuries and fatalities. Last week, a car involved in a crash a block from Times Square flipped onto a sidewalk and injured several pedestrians. Fortunately, no one lost their life in the collision.

With the throngs of people filing through Times Square and the surrounding area daily, it is no surprise that over a dozen people were hurt when the car flipped over onto the sidewalk. According to police, there were eight people hospitalized after the accident. None of the victims appeared to have life-threatening injuries, despite the potentially fatal accident.

Police reported that the car ended up on the sidewalk rear-ended another vehicle at the intersection. A second vehicle then struck a yellow cab. The speeds of the vehicles and the severity of the impact caused the first vehicle to veer off the road and roll onto its side.

In addition to the injured pedestrians, several passengers in the vehicles were also sent to the hospital with injuries. While no charges have been filed against the driver of the vehicle who caused the initial accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and any other personal or economic losses arising from the injury.

While normally the insurance company of the at-fault driver will cover the injury, the victims can also pursue uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage from their own insurance companies. In the event of a multi-car collision with this many victims, an investigation will determine the cause of the accident and identify every responsible individual or entity.

Source: Associated Press, “Car involved in crash near Times Square flips onto sidewalk, injuring several pedestrians,” April 21, 2012.