Several pedestrians, bicyclist hurt after car smashes into store

There are thousands of pedestrians and cyclists moving around the streets of New York every day. Many of them probably never give a second thought to being hit by a vehicle while they’re on a sidewalk. However, there are occasions when drivers act negligently and innocent bystanders are hurt or even killed.

Authorities say that a man with prior arrests for driving while intoxicated was behind the wheel of a vehicle that veered off the road, drove over the sidewalk and slammed into a market in East Village, recently. According to people who saw the accident occur, the driver was speeding when he veered off the road. Authorities say that drugs were found on the driver’s person when he was treated at the hospital, however, he would not consent to a Breathalyzer test at the scene of the accident.

Six people were reportedly injured in the crash, including five pedestrians and one bicyclist who were outside the market. The victims were treated at the hospital and according to authorities one of the victims had critical injuries. Investigators have not said if alcohol played a role in the accident, but one witness said he saw what looked like two cars racing down the street just before the accident happened.

If the driver of the vehicle was acting recklessly and/or intoxicated at the time of the incident, he could be held responsible for those who were injured. He may also be held accountable for all the physical damage that occurred because of the incident. In a situation like this, it might be a good idea for those who were hurt to speak with a personal injury lawyer.

Source: NBC New York, “Driver jumps curb, plows into East Village Bodega, hurts 6,” Sheldon Dutes and Brynn Gingras, June 19, 2013.