Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | November 4, 2024 | Personal Injury
Manhattan waterfronts are supposed to give city residents a safe space to enjoy the great outdoors. However, visits to these spaces don’t always end up that way. If you’re thinking about walking or cycling along one of these scenic routes, find out what dangers you could be facing so that you can fully prepare to protect yourself and your family.
Hudson River Greenway
The Hudson River Greenway is one of Lower Manhattan’s most popular destinations. Unfortunately, issues with the trails abound, resulting in serious injuries — and even death — for some of those who use them. In 2019, a four-year-old in Riverside Park was struck by a cyclist using the Greenway.
The incident sent the young girl to the hospital, where she was treated for injuries to her head. What’s even worse is that her mom recounts how, during her hospital visit, she encountered more people who had experienced the same or hospital staff who had seen patients come in with similar injuries.
In some cases, it’s the cyclists who end up hurt. In 2017, eight people, including some cyclists, were killed along the Greenway when they were struck by a motor vehicle in what the police eventually came to describe as “an act of terrorism.”
Just 11 years before this incident, another cyclist, Eric Ng, had been struck and killed by a vehicle in the very same spot. Cyclist Ben Jone died after an injury sustained in August of 2015 when his head struck the side mirror of a U-Haul truck along the greenway.
Many city dwellers believe these deaths and injuries are preventable. One solution the city introduced was to create a dedicated bypass just for cyclists. However, it has steep hills that are hard to navigate and still allows pedestrians to mingle with cyclists without sufficient signage warning either party to watch out for the other.
Some also complain about the lack of lighting, which makes it difficult to see others at night. At times, the city has abruptly closed the bypass, forcing cyclists out onto the streets with cars, trucks, and buses.
Many have also suggested placing bollards along the path to prevent cars and trucks from entering. However, these solutions have yet to materialize in any consistent or organized manner, leaving those who use the Hudson River Greenway for enjoyment vulnerable to serious injuries.
East River Esplanade
The East River Esplanade is another popular spot. It is a public space owned by the city that allows cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy a peaceful ride or outdoor stroll at just about any hour of the day. However, it, too, has its dangers.
For example, similar to the Hudson River Greenway, there have been incidents of cars crashing into the pedestrian area from the nearby roadway. Though there have not been numerous reports of citizens injured this way, residents need to be aware of it.
Still, the walking and biking paths are not the only source of danger in this space. The esplanade runs along the East River, which has also had its fair share of injuries and accidents.
In 2018, a heli-tour aircraft carrying multiple passengers crashed into the river. Several passengers drowned when the emergency floats failed to inflate. These and other incidents highlight the need for greater safety measures on, around, and above the esplanade and other city waterfronts.
Let a Personal Injury Attorney Help You Navigate Your Manhattan Waterfront Injury Case
If you were hurt on a Manhattan waterfront due to the city’s negligence or that of a fellow resident, you should seek medical attention right away. After treatment, you may want to contact a Manhattan personal injury lawyer to inquire about your rights. Though the responsible party may try to make it seem like your injury was avoidable and, therefore, your own fault, this is often far from the case. An attorney can investigate, determine who was negligent, identify your damages, and help you craft a viable plan for moving forward with your pursuit of compensation.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York City
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City personal injury lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We also serve in Brooklyn and the Bronx.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
100 Wall St 24th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Bronx Office
1578 Williamsbridge Rd suite 3b
Bronx, NY 10461
(212) 514-5007
(917) 905-2339
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
32 Court St #704
Brooklyn, NY 11201
(212) 514-5007
(917) 920-7332