A tragic collision in Greenwich Village on Thursday morning underscores the persistent dangers pedestrians face on New York City streets — even in marked crosswalks. According to police, a 61-year-old driver fatally struck a 27-year-old woman while driving the wrong way down Morton Street, a one-way block in the West Village.
The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. when the driver, behind the wheel of a rented black GMC Savana van, exited a parking garage and turned against traffic toward Seventh Avenue South. Investigators believe the motorist was attempting to take a shortcut to avoid circling several blocks. Witnesses reported the impact was so severe that the victim was thrown to the ground and appeared to convulse before first responders arrived. She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital but pronounced dead approximately 40 minutes later.
The driver remained at the scene and was questioned by police.
A Preventable Tragedy in One of Manhattan’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods
The West Village, known for its narrow, historic streets and heavy pedestrian traffic, is particularly dangerous when drivers disregard traffic laws. Wrong-way driving in such dense areas leaves little room for error and often results in catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Sadly, incidents like this are not isolated. They are a stark reminder that many pedestrian deaths in New York stem from reckless and impatient driving decisions — drivers choosing shortcuts over safety.
Proven Results for Pedestrian Victims
At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our attorneys have a long history of representing pedestrians who suffered devastating injuries due to negligent or reckless drivers. In one of New York’s largest pedestrian verdicts, our team secured $85 million for a Manhattan pedestrian who sustained life-changing injuries after being struck by a vehicle in the West Village.
This record-setting verdict not only provided our client with the financial security necessary for lifelong medical care but also sent a strong message to negligent drivers and their insurers that such conduct will not go unpunished.
Holding Negligent Drivers Accountable
When a driver ignores one-way signs, fails to yield to pedestrians, or speeds through residential areas, they place everyone around them at risk. Families left grieving after a fatal crash have the right to seek justice through a wrongful death claim — not only to hold the responsible party accountable but also to promote safer streets for all New Yorkers.
Contact Our Experienced Pedestrian Accident Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured — or if you lost someone — in a pedestrian accident in New York City, contact Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.
Our experienced trial attorneys have been representing victims of serious accidents for over 100 years, achieving some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York history.