Mixing Zones May Lead To Fatal Accidents

On Monday, September 11, 2017, a truck driver in New York City hit a bicyclist. The incident took place around 11:30 a.m. at West 30th Street and Seventh Avenue. The cyclist suffered serious injuries to her leg. The cyclist had been riding a Citi Bike when a dump truck proceeded to make a right turn as she was cycling straight. The driver stopped his truck when he heard the woman scream. According to reports, the cyclist and driver began to scream at one another over who was at fault. Nearby pedestrians assisted in pulling the victim from under the driver’s truck. The woman was taken to Bellevue Hospital where she was treated for her injuries. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and was not charged.

 

According to New York City’s Vision Zero website, there have been many accidents at the intersection of 30th Street and Seventh Avenue, as follows:

Number of Injuries in 2009

• 3 pedestrians
• 1 cyclist
• 2 motorists

Number of Injuries in 2010

• 1 cyclist
• 2 motorists

Number of Injuries in 2011

• 2 pedestrians
• 1 cyclist
• 8 motorists

Number of Injuries in 2012

• 5 pedestrians
• 1 cyclist
• 1 motorist

Number of Injuries in 2013

• 2 pedestrians
• 2 cyclists
• 1 motorist

Number of Injuries in 2014

• 3 cyclists
• 1 motorist

Number of Injuries in 2015

• 3 cyclists
• 1 motorist

Number of Injuries in 2016

• 1 pedestrian
• 3 cyclists
• 1 motorist

Number of Injuries to date in 2017

• 1 cyclist
• 1 motorist

 

This intersection is known as a mixing zone. A mixing zone is where both a cyclist and a turning driver simultaneously have a green light. Accidents, including fatal crashes, are very common in these zones. Recently, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it will be adding 50 miles of bike lanes each year to improve safety for cyclists. In addition, protected lanes will be added to 7th Avenue. Many New Yorkers have requested that the DOT have split-phase signals in order to reduce the likelihood of drivers turning into cyclists.

 

Due to a recent case, a person may be able to file a personal injury claim and name the city of New York as a defendant. The city of New York has been put on notice that the conditions within this intersection are not safe for pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists, which is evidenced by the number of accidents that occurred in the year’s prior. This is beneficial to a Plaintiff because it allows for an additional path of recovery in the event that another named defendant was underinsured or not insured at all.

 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact a New York personal injury attorney who is experienced in handling these matters. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in dealing with all aspects of personal injury and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the New York personal injury lawyers at Goldberg Sager & Associates at (347) 497-3245 for a free initial consultation.