Impaired Driver Injures at Least Six After Driving Onto a Sidewalk in the East Village

A motorist who was suspected of driving while impaired was arrested recently after he allegedly injured six people when he drove onto a sidewalk in New York City's East Village. The 32-year-old Queens man apparently drove on a sidewalk for more than one block after he lost control of a 2013 Nissan near East Fifth Street and Second Avenue. According to local police, the man struck a fire hydrant, a number of street signs, a tree, a bike rack, and a bicyclist before he slammed into a bodega just before 7 am.

Following the accident, the bicyclist and several pedestrians were reportedly transported to area hospitals for medical treatment. Additionally, the driver of the Nissan and his passenger were taken by ambulance to Bellevue hospital. One of the pedestrians, a 63-year-old florist, purportedly sustained critical and life-threatening injuries in the incident. A number of witnesses supposedly told police the driver of the Nissan was speeding when the traffic wreck occurred. At least one witness claimed the 32-year-old driver was racing another vehicle prior to losing control.

New York Police Department spokesperson Paul Browne stated the driver of the Nissan was charged with DWI after he refused to submit to a breathalyzer test. In addition, drugs were allegedly found hidden in the 32-year-old's sock while he was being treated for injuries related to the crash. Police stated it is currently unclear whether the driver was impaired by drugs or alcohol at the time of the traffic wreck.

Unfortunately, pedestrians are often injured by negligent drivers across New York. If you were hurt by an impaired motorist, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost benefits and wages, and any disability that resulted from the accident. The timeframe during which you may file your personal injury claim is limited. Because of this, you are advised to contact a quality personal injury attorney to discuss your rights as soon as possible following any pedestrian or other injury accident.

Please contact the hardworking New York City personal injury and accident lawyers at Korngut Paleudis LLC if you were hurt in a pedestrian or other traffic wreck in New York. Our dedicated attorneys are available to discuss how you can recover the financial compensation you deserve based upon the severity of your pedestrian accident injuries. Our caring advocates have more than 45 years of experience helping clients who are located in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. To speak with an experienced lawyer about your personal injury claim, you should contact Korngut Paleudis LLC through the law firm's website or give us a call at (212) 835-6768 in New York City or (609) 480-3080 in Princeton, New Jersey.

Additional Resources:

Driver charged with DWI in East Village sidewalk crashed that injured six, by Barry Paddock, Thomas Tracy,and Larry Mcshane, New York Daily News

Driver Jumps Curb, Plows into East Village Bodega, Hurts 6, by Sheldon Dutes and Brynn Gingras, nbcnewyork.com