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A fatal hit-and-run in Brooklyn involving former Nickelodeon child star Kianna Underwood is a tragic reminder of how vulnerable pedestrians can be on New York streets. The incident has drawn renewed attention following the reported arrest of a 72-year-old man in connection with the collision.
For families who lose a loved one in a pedestrian accident, the consequences extend far beyond the crash itself. Along with unimaginable grief, families may suddenly face medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, insurance questions, and uncertainty about their legal rights.
For pedestrians and motorists throughout New York City and Westchester County, this tragedy also reinforces the importance of staying alert and following traffic laws whenever vehicles and pedestrians share the road.
Hit-and-Run Accidents Can Have Devastating Consequences
Pedestrians have almost no protection against the force of a moving vehicle. Even a collision at relatively modest speeds can result in catastrophic injuries.
Victims of pedestrian crashes may suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, permanent disabilities, or death.
When a driver leaves the scene, the situation can become even more complicated.
Investigators may need to rely on surveillance cameras, eyewitness statements, vehicle debris, license plate information, traffic cameras, dashcams, photographs, and other evidence to identify the vehicle and reconstruct what happened.
That is one reason evidence preservation can be extremely important following a serious hit-and-run accident.
Pedestrian Accidents Are a Concern Throughout NYC and Westchester County
New York City presents unique dangers for pedestrians. Drivers must constantly account for crosswalks, cyclists, buses, delivery vehicles, taxis, parked cars, traffic signals, and people entering or leaving the roadway.
The risks continue north into Yonkers, White Plains, New Rochelle, and communities throughout Westchester County.
Busy intersections, shopping districts, school zones, commuter areas, parking lots, and major roads can all create situations where drivers and pedestrians come into close contact.
Drivers should remain attentive, obey speed limits, yield when required, check crosswalks before turning, and avoid using phones or other distracting devices behind the wheel.
For pedestrians, remaining visible and alert and using designated crossings whenever possible can help reduce risk—but even the most cautious pedestrian cannot control the actions of a negligent driver.
Who May Be Responsible for a Pedestrian Accident?
Liability depends on the specific circumstances of each accident.
An investigation may examine whether a driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, failed to yield, ignored a traffic signal, or otherwise operated a vehicle negligently.
In more complicated cases, attorneys may also investigate vehicle ownership, employer relationships, insurance coverage, roadway conditions, surveillance footage, electronic records, and other evidence.
A hit-and-run does not necessarily eliminate an injured person’s ability to pursue compensation. Available options depend on the facts and applicable insurance coverage, which makes it important to have the circumstances evaluated individually.
What Families Should Do After a Fatal Accident
When a family member is killed in a traffic collision, legal matters understandably may not be the family’s first concern. However, important evidence can disappear with time.
Surveillance footage may be overwritten. Witnesses can become harder to locate. Vehicles may be repaired or disposed of. Physical evidence at the accident scene can disappear.
An experienced New York car accident lawyer can work to preserve available evidence, investigate how the collision occurred, identify potentially responsible parties, review insurance coverage, and explain the family’s legal options.
Why Trial Experience Matters in Serious Accident Cases
Insurance companies deal with accident claims every day. When injuries are catastrophic—or a collision results in death—the financial stakes can be substantial.
That makes the attorney representing the injured person or family particularly important.
Norman Gershon has 35 years of personal injury trial experience representing clients throughout the New York City metropolitan area and surrounding counties. His work has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in personal injury verdicts and settlements.
Norman has also earned a reputation as a go-to trial lawyer for difficult cases—the attorney other lawyers call to try their toughest cases.
He prepares cases with the understanding that an insurance company may refuse to make a fair offer and that the case may ultimately have to be presented in court.
Proven Results in Serious New York Accident Cases
Norman Gershon’s experience includes substantial verdicts and settlements involving motor vehicle, pedestrian, bus, truck, and other serious personal injury cases.
Among his reported results are:
- $16.5 million verdict for an automobile passenger injured in a collision with a bus.
- $5.068 million verdict involving a motor vehicle sideswipe accident and cervical fusion.
- $3.75 million verdict involving a motor vehicle accident and lumbar spine injury requiring fusion.
- $2.5 million verdict in Westchester Supreme Court involving a motor vehicle intersection accident and cervical fusion.
- $900,000 settlement during trial in a pedestrian knockdown case.
- $703,902 verdict involving a pedestrian struck by a bus.
Every accident case is different, and previous results cannot guarantee the outcome of another case. They do, however, demonstrate the level of serious personal injury litigation Norman Gershon has handled throughout New York.
A Car Accident Lawyer Serving Westchester County and NYC
Whether an accident happens on a Brooklyn street, at a busy Bronx intersection, in Manhattan or Queens, or farther north in Yonkers, White Plains, or Westchester County, victims deserve to understand their rights.
The aftermath of a serious pedestrian accident can involve medical treatment, insurance companies, lost wages, long-term rehabilitation, and difficult questions about the future.
Families dealing with a fatal accident face an even greater burden.
The Law Offices of Norman Gershon represents people injured in serious accidents throughout Westchester County and New York City, including White Plains, Yonkers, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.
Injured in a Pedestrian or Hit-and-Run Accident?
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a pedestrian accident, hit-and-run, or other motor vehicle collision, consider speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer before making important decisions about an insurance claim.
Put 35 years of trial experience to work for you.
Norman Gershon brings decades of courtroom experience, preparation, and determination to serious personal injury cases. When a case is difficult, you want an attorney prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Law Offices of Norman Gershon — serving car accident and personal injury victims throughout Westchester County, White Plains, Yonkers, New York City, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn.
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