4-Year-Old Pedestrian Injured by SUV at Dangerous Brooklyn Intersection: Parents Demand Greater Traffic Safety

A 4-year-old boy is recovering from his injuries after being struck by an SUV in a hit-and-run crash that occurred Thursday afternoon at the intersection of Court Street and Atlantic Avenue in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn. According to the NYPD, the crash happened just before 5 p.m. as the child was crossing the street with his family.

Police say the driver was traveling eastbound on Court Street in a right-turn-only lane but failed to turn, instead continuing straight through the intersection—illegally—before hitting the child in the ankle. The driver then made a left onto Atlantic Avenue and fled the scene without stopping. The young victim was transported to Cobble Hill Hospital in stable condition.

As Brooklyn car accident lawyers who have handled countless cases involving reckless drivers and unsafe intersections, we are deeply troubled by yet another preventable crash at this notoriously chaotic crossing.

A Pattern of Danger at Court and Atlantic

The intersection of Court Street and Atlantic Avenue is one of the busiest in the Cobble Hill neighborhood and has long been a source of concern for residents. In 2023, an 18-year-old woman was killed when a vehicle slammed into the nearby Trader Joe’s store, highlighting the potential for catastrophic harm. Nearly two years later, the store’s ramp remains boarded up—an eerie reminder of the tragedy.

While the Department of Transportation has made efforts to improve pedestrian safety on Atlantic Avenue, including the installation of mid-block crosswalks, many local families feel these changes have not gone far enough.

“It’s extremely dangerous for small children,” said one father interviewed by local media. “This intersection gives me—I don’t want to say constant anxiety—but it’s definitely an overarching fear. People rip through here all the time at high rates of speed.”

Holding Hit-and-Run Drivers Accountable

Leaving the scene of a crash—especially one involving a child—is a serious offense under New York law. Yet no arrests have been made so far, and the driver remains at large.

If you or your child has been injured by a reckless driver, it’s critical to speak with an experienced attorney immediately. Cases involving hit-and-run drivers often require swift investigative action to preserve evidence, locate the at-fault party, and ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries and trauma.

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our elite trial attorneys have more than 100 years of experience holding negligent drivers accountable—especially in high-traffic areas like Brooklyn, where pedestrian safety continues to be at risk.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident in Brooklyn, call 212-943-1090 for a free consultation. We are committed to fighting for safer streets and justice for crash victims.