Michael DeMedina, 64, Died in Collision With Pickup Truck While Crossing Peninsula Boulevard in Hempstead
HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK (January 25, 2025) – A 64-year-old pedestrian identified as Michael DeMedina has tragically died in a Hempstead car accident at Peninsula Boulevard and Franklin Street.
Nassau County officials are saying that the accident took place on Wednesday morning. Michael DeMedina was crossing Peninsula Boulevard when he was struck by a 2011 Toyota Tundra pickup truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim. Sadly, Michael DeMedina was pronounced dead at the scene due to the severe nature of his injuries.
The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. A full investigation into the collision remains ongoing.
Liability for Nassau County Truck Accidents
Drivers across New York must operate their vehicles with the safety and prudence necessary to avoid causing harm. According to NY Veh & Traf L § 1146, “Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, pedestrian, or domestic animal upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.” Intersections can be particularly dangerous for several reasons.
- Left Turns: It’s easy for drivers to overlook pedestrians as they are checking for cross traffic while making left turns.
- Distracted Driving: A large portion of car accidents involve drivers that are distracted. They may be checking for their cellphones or reaching for an object that fell.
- Speeding: Drivers are supposed to come to a complete stop at traffic lights. But drivers routinely speed through intersections without scanning the road ahead of them.
- Visibility: Pedestrians have a naturally small profile and can be difficult to spot during the day. At night and in the early morning it can be exceptionally difficult to see a pedestrian.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a pedestrian, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is also possible that liability for a pedestrian accident could extend beyond any person deemed to be at fault. If a pickup truck was being used for commercial purposes, the owner of that truck could be liable. Pickup trucks are routinely used in a variety of different commercial endeavors, including construction, landscaping, and contract work.
Steps to Take After Nassau County Truck Accidents
Far too many pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in motor vehicle accidents. According to the IIHS, “A total of 7,314 pedestrian deaths occurred in 2023. Pedestrian fatalities account for 18% of all crash fatalities. Pedestrian deaths in 2023 have increased 78% since reaching their lowest point in 2009.” Certain actions should be undertaken after any type of pedestrian collision in New York.
- Surveillance Footage: All of the surveillance footage that may have captured the incident should be collected and reviewed.
- Medical Records: Medical records related to the collision should be reviewed. The nature of a person’s injuries after a collision can help reveal what happened, even if there were no eyewitnesses.
- Trip Purpose: The purpose of the at-fault driver’s trip should be determined. Any trips for business purposes should be closely examined.
- Legal Review: The family of any person who died in a pedestrian accident should seek an independent review of the collision with an experienced legal team. This team can investigate the case free of cost and take steps to hold all liable parties accountable.
Pedestrian collisions are typically not evenly distributed across any city or town. They are often concentrated along certain streets and intersections. Part of the problem is that many cities and towns were not designed with pedestrians in mind. Pedestrians are increasingly forced to navigate around busy intersections and roads with minimal safety infrastructure. The family of any person who died in a pedestrian accident may be able to pursue some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating Hempstead Pedestrian Accidents
We at Richmond Vona extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael DeMedina. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to help make this intersection safer. Many questions remain unanswered at this time. Is there a history of collisions at this intersection? What was the speed of the driver involved in the crash?
Do you need more information about a Hempstead pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates is here for you. We are committed to helping victims understand their rights and protecting those rights through skilled advocacy. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any accident, we are here to help. You can reach out to us anytime at 716-500-5678.
