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The driver was allegedly impaired by multiple drugs at the time of the crash.

Times Square Crash Highlights Dangers of Impaired Driving

Times Square is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New York City. It’s a bustling mecca of shopping, fun sights, and more. But in mid-May, tragedy struck when a car jumped a curb on 7th Avenue and 45th Street, killing one person and injuring 22 others.

The driver, Richard Rojas, was immediately apprehended and was later charged with multiple criminal counts. He allegedly told the police that he smoked marijuana laced with PCP prior to driving. He has multiple driving-relating infractions on his record.

Pedestrians are often in the most danger when drivers are impaired by drugs or alcohol. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,884 pedestrians were killed and approximately 65,000 were injured in 2014. In the same year, overall traffic fatalities decreased dramatically, from 43,510 deaths in 2005 to 32,675 in 2014. Despite the decrease in the number of traffic fatalities by roughly one quarter, about 4,615 pedestrians have been killed each year.

Across the United States, walking is a daily activity that many people engage in for exercise or to simply get from one place to the next. Yet walking can come with unexpected dangers from impaired drivers . Negligent drivers may disregard traffic laws, fail to use their turn signals, or fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks. These behaviors can lead to serious or even fatal accidents.

As pedestrians, you cannot prevent drunk or impaired drivers from being on the road, but you can take precautions to help avoid being struck by a car. You can do your part by not being distracted when walking, and by making sure that you always cross at crosswalks. You can also make sure you don’t step out onto the road between cars, and try to always cross at intersections and other brightly lit spots.

Recovering damages for pedestrian accidents can be challenging, particularly if accidents are hit and runs. In a case like the one in Times Square, recovery may be limited by the sheer number of people harmed by the driver. However, a skilled pedestrian accident attorney can work with you to get you the recovery you deserve for your injuries. It may also be possible to seek compensation from other parties in the event that the driver is uninsured or cannot meet their financial obligations.

At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, our attorneys are knowledgeable about all types of personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. We have helped more than 100,000 clients recover more than $2 billion dollars in damages for their losses. We offer free initial consultations where we will explain your legal rights and options for pursuing a case. Contact us today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to set up an appointment. We never charge a fee unless we get money for you!