Three Pedestrians Struck After Driver Has “Medical Episode” in Manhattan

In February of 2026, PIX 11 News reported that three pedestrians had suffered various injuries after being struck by a driver in Manhattan. The local authorities say that the incident appears to have been an accident stemming from a “medical episode,” but they did not provide much further information. If you were struck in a similar Manhattan pedestrian crash, you might be curious about your legal options. At Cohan Law, PLLC, we fight for justice for injured victims. Hurt in a pedestrian accident? Contact us today for a free, no obligation initial consultation.

Drivers With Certain Health Conditions Are More Likely to Crash

As background, it is useful to know that several studies have indicated that drivers with certain health conditions are more likely to crash compared to healthier drivers. These issues include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. That said, this is a controversial topic, and one that the medical community seems hesitant to explore. If the data is correct, then how do we address the issue? Some researchers have concluded that people with certain conditions have no place behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. While this might seem harsh, it’s worth noting that the New York Department of Motor Vehicles already has the authority to deny a driver’s license based on the existence of a medical condition. For example, people with epilepsy may be denied access to a driver’s license based on their health status.

Liability in NYC: Can You Sue if a Driver Claims a ‘Medical Episode’?

Car accidents involving an alleged medical episode can be complicated. You can sue a driver for a crash caused by negligence if you meet New York’s serious injury threshold. One key legal point to know is that New York does recognize a narrow “sudden medical emergency” defense. A driver may avoid liability if an unforeseen and unforeseeable medical event rendered them incapable of control. With that being said, the burden of proof is on the driver who caused the accident. They must prove the episode was sudden and not reasonably foreseeable. Prior similar symptoms, a known condition, or failure to follow medical advice can all invalidate this type of defense. Courts treat this as an affirmative defense to negligence, not a bar to lawsuit for a fault-based claim. You can still file a claim and demand discovery on medical history, medications, and overall driving conduct. If foreseeability exists, the driver remains liable for damages under New York negligence law.

An Overview of New York’s No Fault Laws for Pedestrian Crashes

New York has a no-fault law for motor vehicle crashes. It applies to pedestrian injury claims. A pedestrian is an “eligible injured person” entitled to Personal Injury Protection benefits. PIP covers reasonable medical expenses, lost earnings, and necessary services, subject to statutory limits. Fault does not control access to these benefits. A pedestrian may pursue a liability claim only if they meet the “serious injury” threshold. Qualifying categories include significant limitation, permanent consequential limitation, and 90/180-day impairment.

To be clear, you do not need your own auto insurance policy in order to access no-fault benefits as a pedestrian in New York. The priority shifts to the vehicle that struck you. That vehicle’s insurer must provide Personal Injury Protection coverage. If no applicable vehicle coverage exists, you can seek benefits through the Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation.

Key Takeaways

• Drivers with health conditions are more likely to crash
• These conditions include diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure, which are on the rise in the United States
• Drivers who cause crashes due to their health conditions may attempt to avoid liability

Can a Manhattan Pedestrian Accident Attorney Help Me?

If someone caused your injuries, you should be able to hold them accountable, whether your collision was caused by a medical episode or not. That being said, pedestrian accident lawsuits in Manhattan can be challenging in these kinds of situations. Contact the New York City pedestrian accident lawyers at Cohan Law, PLLC to learn more about the next potential steps. We represent injured pedestrians in Manhattan and throughout the region.