Every day, tractor-trailers are a common part of New York traffic. Tractor-trailer drivers must comply with stringent safety regulations regarding hours of service, the weight of cargo and how it is loaded. Tragedy recently struck in Brooklyn when a truck hit a bicyclist while the truck driver was making a turn. The accident occurred on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York
A 43-year-old man was riding the bicycle. He survived the initial force of impact. Sadly, however, he later died of the injuries he suffered in the collision.
Was road design an issue?
Spokespeople for Transportation Alternatives, a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of pedestrians and public transportation, stated that poor road design is a problem in the area where the crash occurred. Within the last five years, nearly 130 people have been hurt at the same intersection where the bicyclist was killed. Another individual was killed there just five months ago. Investigators are analyzing the collision, however, and did not initially comment on the exact cause of the incident. The truck driver remained at the scene and cooperated in the investigation.
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident tragedy
Learning that a loved one has been killed in an accident involving a tractor-trailer is devastating. In addition to the understandable shock and grief, families often face financial crises, as well, especially if they are not prepared to pay for funeral expenses and other costs associated with a loved one’s death. To pursue relief, many families file a wrongful death claim in civil court.