Ice cream trucks have become somewhat of a staple among busy streets in the warmer months, indicating that summer has officially arrived, but what many parents should continue to be wary of is the danger that they may pose for children. Since 2005, ice cream trucks have been required to implement certain safety measures—like front crossing arms and signs warning other vehicles of the likelihood of pedestrians in the vicinity—but sometimes these precautionary measures are not enough to prevent pedestrian accidents from happening. Two incidents in particular have recently drawn attention to this problem.
Last year in Queens, New York, a six-year-old girl was killed while chasing after an ice cream truck. Amidst her pursuit, she was struck by an intoxicated driver who did not have time to avoid the collision—causing her to sustain fatal head injuries. Similarly, a two-year-old boy was left in critical condition earlier this year after being struck by an oncoming car. He had darted out into the road in order to chase an ice cream truck when he was hit by a SUV. Despite the mandatory warnings that are posted on all ice cream trucks, careless drivers may not always be aware of the presence of children nearby.
If you or your child has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it is important to seek the assistance of legal representation. Often times, pedestrians do not stand a chance against the crushing blow of a car accident, leaving them with devastating, or even fatal, injuries. It is the responsibility of drivers to be aware of their surroundings, however, and if you were involved in an accident caused by a negligent or careless driver, it is your right to seek compensation for your injuries.