New York Injury Talk Blog

A tractor-trailer was involved in a multi-vehicle auto accident in New York that killed a woman and her child in Bethpage. The New York Post reports that at least four vehicles were involved in the fatal tractor-trailer crash. The incident happened near a busy intersection. At this time, there is no official word as to how the crash happened, but it is believed that the tractor-trailer ran a red light and plowed into the other vehicles. It is not clear if there are other injuries in addition to the tragic death of the mother and her 11-year-old daughter.

Truck drivers are often asked to operate large vehicles and are required to work extremely long hours. Tired driving can sometimes lead to negligent driving and a truck driver's inattention can have devastating consequences. There are 150 fatal truck accidents in New York every year alone. In addition to fatigue, other common causes of tractor-trailer accidents in New York include alcohol or drug use, reckless driving and mechanical failure.

Continue reading "Long Island Tractor-Trailer Accident Kills Two" »

A leashed pit bull bit a 12-year-old boy in Mayville. The Observer Today reports that the victim was riding his bike on West Main Street on the Canadaway Creek Bridge when he saw the dog. He tried to avoid the dog, which was being walked by its owner. But the dog lunged and bit the child’s calf. The Chautauqua County Health Department is now looking for the dog and his owner.

New York has a "limited" dog bite statute, which makes a dog owner or keeper strictly liable for medical and veterinary costs. Otherwise, New York is a "one-bite state" and does not recognize the cause of action for negligence. Dog bite laws in New York are complex and vary from state to state. These animal attacks can cause severe injuries. Victims usually suffer disfigurement, pain and severe emotional trauma. In most cases, dog bite victims may be able to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cosmetic surgery to fix scars, hospital and therapy costs.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack in New York, the first step to take is to get immediate medical attention. Next, contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer to find out how you can pursue your legal rights and whether you have a claim against the dog owner. Call the skilled New York dog attack injury lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help. Our law firm always offers a free and comprehensive consultation to injured victims and their families.

The driver of a Toyota lost control of his vehicle and crashed into two vehicles in a New York parking lot. CNN reported that there were no major injuries. But the driver of the Toyota told officials that he lost control of his car because the gas pedal got stuck. Investigators are looking into whether a faulty Toyota gas pedal may have caused this collision.

Over the last several months, Toyota has recalled nearly 10 million vehicles worldwide for auto product defects relating to faulty gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. A majority of the recalled cars experienced problems with sudden acceleration. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that, so far, at least 100 people have been killed and thousands injured as a result of these defective autos. Toyota has also paid a $16.4-million government fine over allegations of covering up these defects and delaying these recalls.

The vehicles included in the recalls are several popular models including Corollas, the Prius, Camry, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia, Avalon and the Matrix. If you have been involved in a New York vehicle crash due to an auto product defect, you may be eligible for compensation. Remember, if you believe an auto product defect in New York caused your car to crash, preserve the vehicle in its current condition so it can be examined by an expert for evidence of product defects, mechanical malfunctions and other evidence. The NY injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP have years of experience in pursuing compensation for victims injured in car accidents caused by defective autos. Call us at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and case evaluation.

An unidentified motorist was burned to death following a car crash in Brooklyn. The New York Post reports that the victim was driving a Ford Taurus eastbound on 65th Street when a blue Dodge Caravan going north on 21st Avenue crashed into it. The two vehicles then hit a number of parked cars. The Taurus caught fire and the driver of the Caravan left the scene of the accident. The driver of the Taurus died at the scene. Police are seeking the public's help to locate the hit-and-run suspect.

Leaving the scene of a car crash in New York is a serious crime. Under New York law, if you are involved in a crash, you are required to stop and exchange information. If the other party is injured, it is your duty to assist the injured victim and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. Hit-and-run victims and their families usually suffer a great deal. Families of deceased victims are left with funeral expenses and must also handle the financial strain of losing a wage earner, not to mention the emotional trauma of losing a loved one.

Continue reading "Brooklyn Hit-and-Run Auto Accident Proves Fatal" »

Distracted driving can be defined as any non-driving activity that a person engages in, which has the potential to distract him or her from the primary task of driving. Needless to say, distracted driving can increase the risk of a car accident in Long Island and throughout the state of New York. Distracted driving not only puts the driver in danger, but also endangers the lives of other drivers and pedestrians on the roadway. There are three main types of distraction: visual (focusing your eyes on something other than the road); manual (removing your hands from the wheel); and cognitive (taking your mind off what you're doing). All the above distractions are dangerous. But texting is the most hazardous because it involves all of these three types of distractions.

So far, eight young people from Western New York have lost their lives in car accidents involving texting-and-driving, according to a report in Buffalo News. In New York, although texting while driving is banned, a police officer cannot stop someone primarily for that offense under state law. Texting and driving is what is known as a "secondary offense," meaning that a driver can be penalized only after having been stopped for a primary offense such as speeding or going through a red light.

It is important to understand that distracted driving is negligent driving. If you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver in New York, please contact an experienced NY accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free consultation. As an injury victim, you could seek compensation to cover injuries, damages and losses. Call 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help.

Next to the holiday season, summer time is usually when we see a number of DUI and alcohol-related auto accidents in New York City and throughout the nation. Law enforcement agencies usually crack down on drunk drivers with sobriety checkpoints, especially during holidays such as Memorial Day and the Fourth of July. However, it is our responsibility as drivers to make sure that we never get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk driving in New York can result in catastrophic injuries or even death.

When it comes to drunk driving, the best step is to avoid drinking and driving. Here are a few useful tips:

If you have been drinking or plan to drink:

• Choose a designated driver before even going to the party.


• If you cannot have a designated driver, call a taxi.


• If you cannot find a designated driver or call a cab, stay where you are until you sober up.

If you have not been drinking, but are driving late on a holiday or weekend in New York City, please remember:

• To make it a habit to always wear a seatbelt. It will save your life.


• Do not use a cell phone, eat or text while driving.


• Try not to drive after midnight. A majority of those under the influence tend to drive after midnight or during the early morning hours when they leave bars or parties.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver in Manhattan, please contact the experienced Manhattan drunk driving victim lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. As an accident victim, you could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, physical therapy and other related damages. Call 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is reporting that motorcycle deaths have decreased by about 10 percent last year. Auto accidents have also seen a downward trend over the last few years as safety technology in vehicles has improved. However, this is the first time over the last 10 years or so that motorcycle accident fatalities have actually decreased. While the drop in fatalities in 2009 cannot actually be labeled as a "trend" yet, it is certainly good news. We all know that riding a motorcycle still remains dangerous. Several states have not yet enforced helmet laws and motorcycles are not any safer today than they were a few years ago.

According to the recently released statistics discussed in a USA Today article, while 23 percent of fatal car accidents involve speeding, 35 percent of motorcycle accident fatalities involve exceeding the speed limit. That said, there are numerous instances where the driver of the other vehicle is at fault. The most common reason for a vehicle versus motorcycle accident is that the other vehicle fails to see the motorcycle. Statistics have also consistently shown that a majority of these accidents, most of which cause serious injuries or even death to the motorcyclist, occur at street intersections.

If you have been injured in a New York motorcycle accident, please contact an experienced New York City injury lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will analyze all aspects of your accident, fight for your rights, and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your loss and that the negligent parties are held accountable. Get in touch with our skilled NY auto accident attorneys today at 212-986-7353.

A 32-year-old woman was seriously injured in a Long Island hit-and-run pedestrian accident. According to a news report in the Long Island Press, the woman was crossing Linden Boulevard at 239th St when she was struck by the vehicle. She suffered a brain hemorrhage as well as facial and spine fractures and was treated at a nearby hospital.

Police are still searching for the driver of the vehicle. Reportedly, the vehicle is a green Toyota Camry. Eyewitnesses told officials that the driver drove off without stopping. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law section 600, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident. Motorists involved in the accident are required to stop at the scene and exchange relevant information with other parties (car insurance, driver's license, contact information).

Continue reading "Woman Seriously Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash" »