A 93-year-old Dix Hills woman died Wednesday afternoon, October 28, 2026, after a landscaping truck that was backing up struck her as she walked on Seneca Court, according to Patch, citing Suffolk County police. As a Huntington pedestrian accident lawyer team that serves families across Suffolk County, we at Chaikin Trial Group extend our deepest sympathies to the family and neighbors of Surinder Kour. Below, we share what has been reported, why backing-vehicle crashes are so dangerous for pedestrians, and what rights families have under New York law.
What Happened on Seneca Court in Dix Hills
According to Suffolk County police, as reported by Patch, the crash happened at about 2:10 p.m. on Wednesday. Ms. Kour, 93, of Dix Hills, was walking northbound on Seneca Court when a landscaping truck that was backing up struck her. She was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, where she was pronounced dead.
The truck’s driver, of Huntington Station, was not injured. Police said the department’s Motor Carrier Safety Section inspected the truck at the scene, and Second Squad detectives are investigating. No charges had been reported at the time of publication. Police ask anyone with information to contact Second Squad detectives. Daily Voice also reported on the crash.
The investigation is ongoing, and we do not speculate about fault. What this tragedy does highlight is a risk that many Long Island families may not think about: slow-moving commercial vehicles reversing on quiet residential streets.
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Why Backing Trucks Are So Dangerous for Pedestrians
Landscaping trucks, dump trucks and other work vehicles often have large blind spots behind them, especially when towing trailers or carrying equipment. On residential streets, they frequently stop, reverse and maneuver around parked cars and driveways, often while pedestrians are walking nearby without sidewalks to separate them from traffic.
Older pedestrians face particular risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Older Population: 2023 Data fact sheet, 1,533 people age 65 and older were killed as pedestrians in U.S. traffic crashes in 2023, accounting for 21% of all pedestrian deaths. That number rose 56% from 2014. NHTSA also reported that 70% of those older pedestrian deaths happened away from intersections, the kind of location where a crash on a residential street would fall.
Safety steps that can help reduce backing crashes include working backup cameras and alarms, using a spotter when reversing, walking around the vehicle before moving, and planning routes that limit the need to back up. Commercial operators also have duties to train drivers and maintain their vehicles.
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in New York
When a pedestrian is hit by a truck or car in New York, several legal rules may apply. A Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer can explain how they fit a specific case, but here is a general overview:
- No-Fault benefits: Pedestrians struck by a motor vehicle in New York can generally apply for No-Fault (personal injury protection) benefits, which can cover medical bills and some lost wages regardless of fault. The application deadline is short, generally 30 days from the accident.
- The serious injury threshold: To pursue a claim for pain and suffering beyond No-Fault, an injured person usually must show a “serious injury” as defined in New York Insurance Law § 5102(d).
- Commercial vehicle and employer responsibility: When a work vehicle is involved, the owner and the business that employs the driver may share legal responsibility. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 388, a vehicle owner can generally be held liable for the negligence of someone driving it with permission. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can look into insurance coverage, maintenance and driver training records.
- Wrongful death claims: When a crash takes a life, the personal representative of the person’s estate may bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family. The wrongful death statute of limitations in New York is generally two years from the date of death, though deadlines can differ depending on the facts and who is involved. Personal injury claims generally must be filed within three years. Because these rules can change and exceptions apply, families should confirm their deadlines with an attorney promptly.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
- Get medical care right away. Call 911 and get checked even if injuries seem minor.
- Report the crash to police and ask how to obtain the police report.
- Document the scene. If you can, photograph the vehicle, any company name or markings, the street and lighting conditions.
- Collect witness information and note any homes or businesses that may have security cameras.
- File your No-Fault application quickly to protect your benefits.
- Avoid giving recorded statements to an insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
- Talk to an experienced attorney about your rights, especially when a commercial truck is involved.
How Our Huntington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Team Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group represents injured people and grieving families throughout Long Island and New York City. As a Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer firm, we can investigate what happened, identify every responsible party and insurance policy, and work with experts to document the full impact of a loss. When a crash is fatal, our Long Island wrongful death lawyer team helps families understand the claims process with compassion. Our Suffolk County truck accident lawyer experience also helps in cases involving work trucks and commercial fleets.
You can learn more about our personal injury practice, review our case results (past results do not guarantee a similar outcome), or read what clients say in our reviews. For another recent Suffolk County case, see our post on a pedestrian crash on Suffolk Avenue in Central Islip.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I contact a Suffolk County pedestrian accident lawyer?
As soon as you can after getting medical care. Evidence such as surveillance video, vehicle data and inspection records can be lost quickly, and New York’s No-Fault deadline is short.
Who can be held responsible when a pedestrian is hit by a truck backing up?
Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on the driver, the vehicle owner, the employer or company operating the truck, or others. A commercial vehicle accident lawyer can review the police investigation and insurance coverage to identify the parties involved.
What is the wrongful death statute of limitations in New York?
Generally, a wrongful death action must be filed within two years of the person’s death. Shorter notice deadlines can apply in claims against government entities, so families should speak with a Suffolk County wrongful death lawyer promptly.
How much does it cost to hire Chaikin Trial Group?
Consultations are free, and we work on a contingency fee basis, which means there is no fee unless we win your case.
Speak With a Huntington Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a pedestrian crash in Dix Hills, Huntington or anywhere on Long Island, a Huntington pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group is ready to listen. Contact us online for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we win. We have offices in Melville at 445 Broadhollow Rd, Suite 232, and in Manhattan at 450 7th Ave, Ste 1901.
This post is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney Advertising.
