A tragic accident occurred on the evening of June 29th, 2021, when a 71-year-old cyclist was struck and killed by a U.S. Postal Service truck on the Upper West Side. The accident was reported around 5:30 p.m. Police say the cyclist was traveling northbound on Central Park West when he was struck by the 61-year-old truck driver attempting to turn right from Central Park West to W. 86th Street.
First responders transported the accident victim to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Our hearts are with the victim’s loved one’s during this difficult time.
According to news reports, the driver of the USPS truck remained at the scene and no arrests were made. A police investigation is ongoing. Additional accident details have not yet been shared with the public and will play a pivotal role in the investigation.
This horrible accident adds to the more than 2,150 cycling accidents that have been reported throughout the city in 2021 so far. More NYC cyclists have been involved in accidents in the first half of 2021 than in the entirety of 2020. While effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may skew these numbers, there is no excuse for any number of cyclist accidents that result in serious injury or death. All New Yorkers should be able navigate the city’s streets safely.
As New York City returns to normal operation, the streets are once again filled with vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. To travel as safely as possible, motorists should remember to:
- Share the road with cyclists
- Check for oncoming cyclists before opening your doors
- Signal and check your blind spot before making a right turn
- Check before crossing a bike lane
- Stay extra vigilant in busy areas
According to the NY Department of Transportation, cyclists “have all the rights and are subject to all the duties and regulations applicable to drivers of motor vehicles.” Cyclists do have a duty of care when riding through city streets. Legally, cyclists must ride in the street, ride with traffic, obey traffic signs and signals, and use marked bike lanes when they are available. Although cyclists are also subject to traffic laws, motorists must keep in mind that cyclists are in a much more vulnerable position. When an accident occurs between a vehicle and a bicycle, the cyclist is much more likely to sustain a serious injury. These accidents can be prevented if both motorists and cyclists obey the rules of the road.
The lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy understand the drastic effects an accident can have on the lives of victims and their loved ones. If you have been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident as a cyclist, contact one of our experienced accident lawyers to determine your best path forward. Notable results include:
- Record-breaking $110,174,972 verdict for a cyclist who was paralyzed when he was struck by a falling railroad tie in Brooklyn
- $2,250,000 settlement for a cyclist who suffered serious injuries when he was struck by the door of an Access-A-Ride van
To receive a free, no-obligation legal consultation, call our attorneys at 212-736-5300 or contact us online.