Wrong-Way Driving Fatality in the West Village: What New York Law Says About Pedestrian Safety and Liability
- Reza Yassi
- Nov 10
- 3 min read
In early November 2025, tragedy struck in Manhattan’s West Village when a van traveling the wrong way on a one-way street fatally struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk near Morton Street and Seventh Avenue South. The collision has reignited serious concerns about traffic design, pedestrian protection, and driver responsibility in one of New York City’s most densely traveled neighborhoods.
What Happened on Morton Street
According to multiple reports from ABC7NY, CBS New York, and Streetsblog NYC, a driver in a 2020 GMC Savana van exited a parking garage on Morton Street, turned westbound onto an eastbound one-way street, and struck a pedestrian who was crossing lawfully in the crosswalk. The driver remained at the scene, and the NYPD Collision Investigation Squad is handling the ongoing investigation. Neighbors and local witnesses have noted that drivers frequently exit that same garage in the wrong direction due to unclear or missing signage.
The intersection, located near the busy Seventh Avenue South corridor, has been identified by residents as a recurring trouble spot for wrong-way traffic, with some calling for the Department of Transportation to improve signage and visibility. This case tragically illustrates how small oversights in traffic design can have devastating consequences.
New York Law on Wrong-Way Driving and Pedestrian Safety
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law (VTL §1127), drivers must obey all posted one-way signs and may only operate their vehicle in the designated direction of traffic. Violating this statute is a traffic offense and can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a civil lawsuit.
Additionally, VTL §1146 requires all drivers to exercise “due care” to avoid colliding with pedestrians and to give warning when necessary. In New York City, the local Right-of-Way Law (Administrative Code §19-190) adds penalties when a driver fails to yield to a pedestrian with the right of way.
Who May Be Held Liable?
From a civil perspective, a wrong-way crash like this one typically raises multiple layers of liability. The driver may be negligent based on violating one-way and due-care rules. If the van was owned or leased by a business, that entity may also face vicarious liability under New York’s permissive-use statute (VTL §388).
The City of New York could also face claims if there is evidence that it knew—or should have known—about repeated wrong-way incidents at that location and failed to correct inadequate signage or roadway design. However, municipal liability cases are challenging, as the City is protected by qualified immunity for many traffic-engineering decisions, and plaintiffs must first file a formal Notice of Claim within 90 days of the incident.
The Role of Evidence and Investigation
Key evidence in these cases often includes: video from the garage and nearby buildings; the van’s telematics/GPS; driver phone records; and the official police file. Members of the public and involved parties can request reports through the NYPD Collision Report Retrieval Portal.
To establish a pattern or notice, practitioners often consult New York City’s open data tools, including the Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes dataset, third-party tools like CrashMapper, and the City’s Vision Zero View and Vision Zero Open Data pages.
The Broader Lesson: Safer Street Design Saves Lives
Wrong-way driving incidents, while rare, often point to design choices that fail to anticipate human error. A truly safe street system—consistent with New York City’s Vision Zero philosophy—relies on redundant safeguards: clear signage, visible pavement markings, well-placed one-way indicators, and physical design elements that discourage dangerous turns.
What Victims and Families Can Do
Families affected by pedestrian collisions in New York have important legal rights. They may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, funeral expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. An experienced personal injury attorney can also pursue claims against multiple parties—such as the driver, their employer, or the City—depending on the facts.
When roadway design or signage may be at issue, records can be requested through NYC DOT’s FOIL process (NYC DOT FOIL) or via the City’s centralized OpenRecords portal. Prompt action is critical to preserve evidence and meet legal notice deadlines.
Conclusion
Every fatal pedestrian crash is a reminder that traffic safety is a shared responsibility. When wrong-way driving occurs in an area known for confusion and weak signage, both driver negligence and public design must be examined. With thorough investigation, effective advocacy, and stronger safety measures, these tragedies can and should be prevented.
Disclaimer :
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique, and the outcome depends on its specific facts and circumstances. If you believe you may have a legal claim related to a birth injury or medical malpractice, you should consult directly with a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
