Slavik v. Cab Transportation Corp.

267 A.D. 98, 44 N.Y.S.2d 609, 1943 N.Y. App. Div. LEXIS 5977

• Court: Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York
• Decided: November 12, 1943
• Status: Published

Opinion

Per Curiam.

The deceased, a heavy-set man of sixty-seven years, on April 3, 1941, at about eight p. m. was attempting to cross the street from the easterly side of First Avenue at Seventy-third Street in the city of New York. When he had gone about thirty-five feet in a westerly direction, he was struck by a northbound taxicab owned by defendant Cab Transportation Corporation and operated by defendant Rosen. He was either dragged or thrown over forty-one feet from the point of contact. As a result of the injuries sustained, he met his death in a hospital some time later.

The Trial Justice seems to have confined himself solely to the point of whether or not the lights were in favor of the deceased' at the time he was struck. He stated in part in addressing the plaintiff’s attorney: “ Your case depends entirely on the lights.” We believe other elements should have bee» ee»sidered. One might infer that the taxicab was being operated at an excessive rate of speed. If it be true that the light was in favor of the deceased at the time he started to walk across the street, then it was the duty of the driver of the vehicle to have permitted him to continue. Under the circumstances, a new trial should be had in order that there may be a full development of all the material facts.

The judgment should be reversed and a new trial ordered, with costs to appellant to abide the event.

Townley, Glennon, Untermyer and Dore, JJ., concur; Martin, P. J., taking no part.

Judgment unanimously reversed and a new trial ordered, with costs to the appellant to abide the event. Settle order on notice.