Saturday night, on June 20, 2015 around 9:20 p.m., a car struck a pedestrian crossing Horseblock Road near North Ocean Avenue. CBS New York reported that the driver of the 2005 Hyundai was William Merced, age 29 of Medford. The unidentified pedestrian was a Hispanic man about 5 feet 6 inches tall and estimated to be in his 50’s. Hospital staff at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center pronounced him dead. Merced was not injured and remained at the accident scene. Police impounded his car for safety inspection and investigation.
Unfortunately, the incidence of pedestrian accidents is high on Long Island. Tragedies such as this one are often hard on families, both emotionally and financially.
As a pedestrian, you can take safety precautions to help prevent an accident, especially at night when visibility is typically poor.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the following pedestrian safety tips:
• Wheever possible, cross the street at a designated crosswalk or intersection
• Increase your visibility at night by carrying a flashlight and wearing retro-reflective clothing
• If no sidewalk is available, walk on the shoulder and face traffic
If you or a family member is a victim of a pedestrian accident, consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer and find out about your legal rights. Palermo Tuohy Bruno offers a free consultation to discuss your accident and the possibility of pursuing compensation. You owe no fees unless we are successful in recovering damages on your or your family’s behalf.