Garbage Truck Kills Two Pedestrians
It is normal and a very common thing to take a walk when visiting a new city especially with your significant other. Unfortunately, a tragic story unfolded on the streets of New York City recently when a husband and wife from Britain were run down by a garbage truck driver who forgot to take his anti-seizure medicine, according to a story on the nypost.com website. The avoidable accident happened in February 2008 and now the 58-year-old driver of that truck has been found guilty by a jury and sentenced to 20 years to life in prison. The couple, both age 47, were enjoying a nice walk near Pennsylvania station when the driver lost control of the garbage truck, smashing his way onto the sidewalk where the couple happened to be walking.
The judge said that by not taking his medication, the man had become “a time bomb ready to explode.” Prosecutors stated that the man had failed to disclose his illness at the time of hiring. Without question, this story highlights the flawed hiring procedures by the city. How can a person be given the keys to a multi-ton vehicle without being tested to see if they are fit to operate such heavy duty equipment?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents are a serious problem throughout the world and the United States has a particular problem with pedestrian deaths and injuries. Not surprising is the fact that older pedestrians are more likely to be injured or killed when struck by a motor vehicle than younger pedestrians.
Specifically, 4,749 pedestrians were reported to have been killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States in 2003. These deaths accounted for 11 percent of the 42,643 motor vehicle deaths nationwide that year. An estimated 70,000 pedestrians were injured or killed in motor vehicle collisions, which represents 2 percent of the 2.9 million total persons injured in traffic crashes.
Have you sustained an injury while walking in Pennsylvania? If so, do not attempt to fight these cases on your own as many involve multiple parties and aspects of the law which often become complicated. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious pedestrian injury in Pennsylvania, you need to contact the qualified team of professional Philadelphia pedestrian accident lawyers at Cherry, Fieger & Marciano. Our lawyers have a successful record of winning judgments for their clients and making negligent drivers pay for their carelessness. Stand up against the people who have jeopardized your livelihood. Please call 1-888-684-7192 and ask about our free in-home consultation.
Source article: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/prison_for_garbage_truck_driver_aVckTE6wf0Rz9rUV3ZpjQO
