CORNISH, NEW HAMPSHIRE (January 13, 2026) – A 52-year-old pedestrian identified as Michael Iwanchuk died in a Cornish truck accident on a bridge that connects Cornish and Windsor.
Sullivan County officials are saying that the accident took place around 1:01 PM on December 18. Michael Iwanchuk was walking when he was hit by a pickup truck.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision to help the victim. He was transported to a local area hospital to receive treatment.
Sadly, Michael Iwanchuk was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities stated that the truck driver involved in the collision was not immediately charged after the crash, but an investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for New Hampshire Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable to the hazards posed by motor vehicles. Drivers must use an abundance of caution to avoid colliding with them. Pursuant to NH Rev Stat § 265:60, “No person shall drive a vehicle on a way at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.” Drivers should take several measures to avoid colliding with any pedestrians.
- Speed: Drivers should reduce their speed when approaching any pedestrian or other hazard in the roadway.
- Horn: Drivers may need to use their horn at certain times to let pedestrians know about their presence.
- Blind Spots: Drivers should check their blind spots before making turns at intersections.
- Rest: Drivers should be well rested before heading out onto the road.
If a driver fails to slow down to avoid colliding with a pedestrian in the roadway, they could be held at fault through a negligence claim. Depending on the facts of any case, liability may extend beyond any single driver held at fault for a collision. This is especially true if a pickup truck or van was involved. These types of vehicles are routinely used for business purposes. As a general rule, employers can be liable for the wrongful actions of their workers who are operating within the course and scope of their job duties.
Common Mistakes After New Hampshire Pedestrian Accidents
Far too many pedestrians are killed or seriously injured every year in car accidents across New Hampshire and the United States. According to the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, “Since 2010, pedestrian fatalities have increased by 77%, while overall traffic deaths increased by 30%. In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians were killed, marking the highest number in over 40 years.” There are many common mistakes that often get made after pedestrian accidents.
- Evidence Spoliation: Victims may fail to get key pieces of evidence preserved. This may include vehicles involved in any collision.
- Delaying Medical Care: It is best to seek medical care early after a collision. Failing to get care early on can create medical and legal challenges down the road.
- Not Identifying Witnesses: Eyewitnesses can be vital in demonstrating liability for a collision. They should be sought early on and interviewed while their memories are still fresh.
- Talking to Insurance Providers: Insurance providers like to interject themselves when victims are seriously injured or when families are grieving after a collision. They should be ignored early on, unless you’re being directed by a lawyer.
- Legal Review: Failing to speak with a legal team experienced in tort claims is one of the most common mistakes after a pedestrian collision. A legal team can evaluate the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Most pedestrian accidents are preventable. They tend to involve drivers who are failing to adequately scan the road ahead of them. Pedestrian accidents don’t tend to happen evenly across all streets and intersections in the city. These events tend to be concentrated in certain areas that either have dangerous infrastructure or heavy pedestrian traffic. The family of any person who died in a pedestrian collision may be able to seek some measure of accountability through a wrongful death claim.
Investigating New Hampshire Pedestrian Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Michael Iwanchuk. Anyone with more information about what happened should contact the authorities. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what happened so that similar tragedies may be averted. Several questions need to be answered. What is the history of accidents along this bridge that connects Cornish and Windsor?
Do you need more information about a Cornish pedestrian accident? Our team of pedestrian accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident, we are here for you. Contact us for a free legal consultation.