A 12-year-old boy was seriously injured when a driver struck him at 75th Avenue and 60th Lane in Glendale, Queens, on October 14, 2026. New reporting published October 26 raises questions about how the crash was first documented. For families dealing with a crash like this, a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer can help explain what happens next, including what to do if a police report seems to get the facts wrong.
Our thoughts are with the boy and his family. Below is a summary of what has been reported so far, why intersections like this one are dangerous, and what New York law says about the rights of pedestrians hit by cars.
What Happened in Glendale
According to QNS, the boy was struck at about 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, at the intersection of 75th Avenue and 60th Lane. He was hospitalized with serious injuries. Council Member Phil Wong said the boy is “fortunate to be alive.” Wong called it the second serious incident at the intersection this year, after a March 17 hit-and-run that injured a local resident.
On October 26, Streetsblog NYC reported new details. Three boys were waiting to cross when a 2019 Jeep traveling westbound on 75th Avenue hit all three. One 12-year-old suffered multiple fractures to his pelvis and skull and a concussion. The other two boys did not need medical attention. Streetsblog reports that the first police report listed the cause as “pedestrian error.” It also reports that, after Council Member Wong stepped in, the case was moved from the 104th Precinct to the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad.
The facts are still in dispute. Streetsblog reports that Wong says the NYPD’s preliminary collision report shows the driver had a green light, while surveillance footage his office obtained raises questions about the driver’s speed and the signal timing. The investigation is ongoing, and no one has been charged.
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Why Pedestrian Accidents Happen at Neighborhood Intersections
Residential intersections in Queens can be just as dangerous as major roads. Council Member Wong has said that drivers often speed toward this intersection from 61st Street and ignore stop signs there, according to QNS. He has asked the city Department of Transportation and the NYPD for a full safety review of 75th Avenue. DOT told QNS it is “exploring safety upgrades at this location.”
Common factors in crashes where a pedestrian is hit by a car include:
- Speeding. The default speed limit in New York City is 25 mph unless otherwise posted. Higher speeds give drivers less time to stop and cause more serious injuries.
- Running yellow or red lights and rolling through stop signs.
- Failing to yield to people in the crosswalk.
- Distraction, such as phone use behind the wheel.
- Poor street design, including long crossings, poor sight lines and signal timing that gives walkers little time.
Children face extra risk. They are smaller, harder for drivers to see, and still learning to judge traffic. That is why New York law gives drivers an added duty around kids. The city tracks crash data and street safety projects through its Vision Zero program, and local crash data can be searched through CrashMapper.
Your Legal Rights After a Pedestrian Accident in Queens
If you or your child was hit by a car in New York, several rules may apply. These are general points, and every case is different.
- Driver’s duty of care. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1146 requires every driver to use due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian, and to use proper caution when they see a child on or near the road.
- No-Fault benefits. Pedestrians hit by a car can usually get No-Fault (Personal Injury Protection) benefits for medical bills and some lost wages, no matter who caused the crash. The No-Fault application generally must be filed within 30 days.
- Serious injury threshold. To sue the driver for pain and suffering, New York law requires a “serious injury” as defined by Insurance Law § 5102(d). Fractures are one of the listed categories.
- Time limits. Most personal injury claims in New York must be filed within three years. For a child, the deadline is generally paused until the child turns 18. Claims against a city agency or the MTA have much shorter deadlines, including a 90-day Notice of Claim.
A police report is important evidence, but it is not the final word on fault. Reports are written fast, often before all witnesses and video have been reviewed. If a report blames the person who was hit, an experienced Queens personal injury lawyer can gather video, witness statements and scene evidence to show what really happened.
What To Do After a Pedestrian Accident
- Get medical care right away, even if injuries seem minor. Head injuries and fractures are not always obvious at first.
- Call 911 so police respond and a report is made.
- Document the scene. Take photos of the intersection, signals, signs, vehicles and injuries.
- Get names and contact details for the driver and any witnesses.
- Look for video. Nearby homes, stores and buses may have cameras, and footage is often erased within days.
- Get the police report. If you are wondering how to get a police report in NYC, you can request a copy through the NYPD. Review it closely for errors.
- Don’t give recorded statements to the driver’s insurance company before you get legal advice.
- Talk to a pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC who can protect evidence and deadlines.
How a Queens Pedestrian Accident Lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group represents people hurt in pedestrian accidents and car accidents across Queens, New York City and Long Island. Our team can:
- Investigate the crash, including video, signal timing and police records.
- Challenge a police report that gets the facts wrong.
- Handle No-Fault claims and talks with insurance companies.
- Work with doctors to document the full impact of your injuries, including long-term care for children.
- Take your case to trial when that is what it takes.
See some of our past case results and read client reviews. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win.Contact us online to speak with a Queens accident lawyer today.
FAQ: Queens Pedestrian Accidents
What should I do if my child was hit by a car?
Get medical care first, then call police so a report is made. Save photos, witness names and any video. Because children’s injuries can affect them for years, speak with a Queens pedestrian accident attorney about your family’s rights and deadlines.
Can I still have a case if the police report says the pedestrian was at fault?
Yes, possibly. A police report is one piece of evidence. Video, witnesses and signal data may tell a different story. New York also uses comparative fault, so a person found partly at fault may still recover reduced damages.
Do I need a Queens car accident lawyer if I was walking, not driving?
Many pedestrian cases involve the same insurance rules as car crashes, including No-Fault and the serious injury threshold. A lawyer who handles both personal injury and vehicle claims can guide you.
How much does a pedestrian accident lawyer in NYC cost?
Chaikin Trial Group works on a contingency fee basis. That means no fee unless we win. Learn more on our FAQs page.
Conclusion
The Glendale crash is a reminder of how quickly a walk to the corner can change a family’s life, and how much depends on getting the facts right afterward. If you or someone you love was hurt, a Queens pedestrian accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group is ready to listen. for a free consultation.
Sources: QNS, Oct. 16, 2026 (updated Oct. 21); Streetsblog NYC, Oct. 26, 2026; NYC Vision Zero.
Attorney Advertising. This post is for general information only and is not legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.