New Milford was the scene of a serious pedestrian accident earlier this week when a pedestrian was struck by a car traveling along Route 7. The early evening accident happened just after 5 p.m., but it is unknown just how dark it was. Witnesses have reported that drivers often speed on Route 7, which may have been the cause of this accident. Although it is unclear if the pedestrian was seriously injured, these kinds of accidents could mean serious disabilities, long-term injuries or death.
There is very little information about the accident available, but it appears the pedestrian was crossing Route 7 when he was hit. Unless the man ran in front of the car, it is possible that the driver could be held responsible for this accident. Even if the pedestrian wasn’t in a crosswalk, with enough time, a driver should be able to see a pedestrian, slow and stop before hitting him or her. The fact that this driver did not calls into question his or her driving.
Pedestrians, just like a motorist or a bicyclist, has every right to be free from injury. Drivers need to pay attention to pedestrians, whether they are on a sidewalk, in the shoulder or crossing the street. Failing to see them is rarely an excuse, and it is expected that drivers will do what they can to avoid an accident. If they do not, they may be found negligent and forced to compensate an injured pedestrian for his or her injuries.
As more information emerges about this accident, the pedestrian may choose to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Source: Eyewitness News 3, “Route 7 in New Milford reopens after serious crash,” Joseph Wenzel IV, Jan. 8, 2014
