3 injured after taxi cab jumps NYC curb

Three people were injured this morning when a taxi cab jumped a curb in Midtown Manhattan. One of the injured, a 23-year-old from England, had her leg amputated below the knee in the accident. The pedestrian accident occurred near Radio City Music Hall around 11 a.m.

One of the other accident victims was a bicyclist who said he had been in an altercation with the cab driver who caused the accident. He told reporters that the cab driver was trying to make a turn and the bicyclist told him to stop. The bicyclist said this angered the cab driver who “deliberately accelerated his car” onto the curb.

The bicyclist said the cab charged into him and then two others before stopping in some grass. Good Samaritans rushed to the scene and did what they could to help before paramedics arrived. TV personality Dr. Oz, who was also at the accident scene, said the actions of the Good Samaritans saved the young woman’s life.

At this point, it has not been reported if the cab driver was charged in the incident. If the bicyclist’s account of the accident is accurate, it is likely that he could face serious criminal charges. Additionally, it is possible that the cab driver and his employer could face personal injury lawsuits brought by those who were injured.

Pedestrian accidents are far too common in New York City and often result from taxi and truck drivers who refuse to give pedestrians and bicyclists the right of way, even though it is the law. Hopefully, an investigation is conducted in this case so that justice can be served.

Source: CBS New York, “Taxi Cab Jumps Curb Near Radio City Music Hall; Strikes Pedestrians,” Aug. 20, 2013