New York Injury Talk Blog

A 33-year-old woman was killed in a New York truck accident, which police say was caused by an exhausted driver who was watching a pornographic film on his laptop while driving. According to a WKBW news report, the woman's vehicle was stalled on the Interstate 90 after her car struck deer. Her stalled vehicle was then hit by the truck driver. New York State Police say the driver was operating the tractor-trailer while keeping false log books and was actually operating the vehicle with very little sleep. He also had a computer on his lap that was streaming porn while he was operating the truck at the time of the fatal collision.

In this case, police say the driver was in violation of a federal transportation law, which allows 10 hours of driving within a 15-hour on-duty period after eight hours of off-duty time. The law also prohibits commercial truck drivers from driving after their 15th hour on duty in a workday or after 60 hours on-duty in seven consecutive days or 70 hours on-duty in eight consecutive days. In this particular case, the driver was also distracted by a movie he was allegedly watching on his laptop. He has been charged with second degree manslaughter in connection with this fatal auto accident.

Continue reading "Fatal NY Truck Accident Caused by Tired Trucker Distracted by Laptop" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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Joe Rollino, who was renowned as the "Strong Man of New York" was killed in a pedestrian accident in Brooklyn when he was crossing a street. According to a news report, the 104-year-old Rollino suffered injuries to his head, chest and pelvis. He was transported to an area hospital, but succumbed to his severe injuries. Officials say the driver was traveling at the designated speed limit. They do not believe alcohol or drugs was involved in the fatal collision. However, the driver was issued a summons for a defective horn. The incident is under investigation.

New York pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries for victims. Some of these accidents are caused by pedestrians who do not follow the rules of the road. However, very often, pedestrian accidents happen because drivers do not yield the right-of-way. This could happen because the motorist is driving under the influence, talking on a cell phone, texting, or simply not paying attention to his or her surroundings.

Continue reading ""Strong Man of New York" Dies in Pedestrian Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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With consumer confidence certainly waning in the auto sector over the last couple of months, Toyota has issued yet another recall, this time due to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) software glitch. Toyota announced the voluntary recall on February 9, 2010 for several vehicle models, including the popular 2010 Prius. The complete list of recalled Toyota vehicles includes the following:

• 2004-2010 Prius


• 2005-2010 Avalon


• 2005-2010 Tacoma


• 2007-2010 Tundra


• 2007-2010 Camry


• 2008-2010 Highlander


• 2008-2010 Sequoia


• 2009-2010 RAV4


• 2009-2010 Matrix


• 2009-2010 Venza


• 2009-2010 Corolla


• 2010 Lexus HS 250h

With this recent recall for Toyota defective brakes, 133,000 Prius vehicles and 14,550 Lexus HS 250h vehicles will be affected. Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are utilized in motor vehicles to maintain tire traction while driving over rough or slick road conditions. However, the software responsible for controlling ABS has proven unreliable, and Toyota owners may find themselves experiencing inconsistent braking while operating the aforementioned affected vehicles. Inconsistent braking could potentially lead to loss of vehicle control, which could further result in a motor vehicle accident and serious injuries. More information regarding these recalls may be obtained at www.toyota.com/recall, or by calling the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, or the Lexus Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-255-3987.

Continue reading "Toyota Announces Official Recall Due to Brake Defects" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls , Toyota Recalls

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A 22-year-old special education teacher was killed in a Staten Island pedestrian accident after he was struck by a driver, who officials say, was under the influence of drugs. An ABC news report states that the man and his girlfriend were jogging along Hylan Boulevard in Annadale when he was hit. He suffered severe head and chest trauma. His girlfriend suffered a broken ankle, scrapes and bruises.

The 34-year-old driver, described as an aspiring model, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence. Police also found the sleep aid, Ambien, in her car. She apparently also admitted to authorities that she took two Xanax, one Ambien and one Percocet less than one hour before the fatal car crash.

Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is a crime. In New York State, the penalties include the loss of driving privileges, fines, and a possible jail term. It is a serious violation to operate a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination of alcohol and drugs. It is also illegal to drive under the influence of prescription drugs or any type of intoxicant or hallucinogen that can impair your judgment while driving.

Continue reading "Pedestrian Killed in Staten Island DUI Car Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Brain injury is called "the silent epidemic" for a reason. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, more than 5.3 million Americans are living with long-term disabilities because of traumatic brain injuries. Every year, according to the CDC, at least 1.4 million people in the United States suffer a traumatic brain injury, more than the number of people who suffer heart attacks. Very often, the problem of traumatic brain injury is underestimated or dismissed.

More than 40 percent of traumatic brain injuries are caused by auto accidents, which is the most common cause of this type of injury. A traumatic brain injury in New York can result in changes to how a person processes information. Speech can become slurred. Thinking can be slowed down. Short-term memory can be completely lost in some cases. Judgment can become impaired. Almost always, brain-injured patients need extensive therapy, which dramatically increases the cost of treating this condition as well. And even so, the therapy only helps these injured victims cope with their brain injury. Brain damage is forever.

Continue reading "Traumatic Brain Injuries Have Long-Term Effects" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Brain Injuries , Personal Injury

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Vehicle safety is an issue that many motorists take for granted. We trust that auto manufacturers have rigorously tested their products, ensuring the safety of consumers as a consequence. However, as the most recent safety recall issued by Toyota illustrates, faulty design is not always caught by auto manufacturers before its products are introduced and sold to the public.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that between 2006 and 2009, 13 Toyota vehicles have been involved in fatal accidents stemming from gas pedal sticking. Due to statistics such as these and additional reports of serious accidents involving Toyota’s accelerator defects has resulted in Toyota recently recalling over 2.3 million vehicles, specifically the 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix models; the 2005-2010 Avalon; 2010 Highlander; 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia; and some 2007-2010 Camrys . This recall comes after an earlier recall that was announced in November 2009 of floor mats that Toyota had indicated were at risk of becoming lodged underneath gas pedals, causing them to accelerate uncontrollably.

Continue reading "Toyota Accelerator Defect Results In Voluntary Recall" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls

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An 18-month-old girl died and her mother was severely injured in a three-car accident in Staten Island, the New York Daily News reports. The fatal auto accident occurred on the northbound Martin Luther King Expressway near the Staten Island Expressway when two minivans collided and were then struck by a Cadillac sedan driven by the 32-year-old mom. The mother suffered a severely broken leg. Her daughter was transported to a local hospital where she died. Family members said the girl had suffered a fractured skull. The drivers of both minivans were issued summonses for driving without a license. The men escaped with minor injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 41,059 traffic accident fatalities nationwide in 2007. In New York State alone, 1,333 people died in car accidents during the same year.

Continue reading "New York Car Accident Kills Toddler" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Starting February 22, 2010, New York State is making some changes to its licensing laws. According to a news report in the Pall Times, the state is stepping up the standards for young drivers to get their driver's licenses. This comes after more than five years of statistical evidence that young drivers, specifically teens, are at greater risk of dying in car accidents than any other age group.

The new law allows only one non-family passenger under the age of 21 to be present in a vehicle operated by a junior license holder when he or she is not accompanied by a parent or guardian. Recent studies have shown that the presence of teen passengers in a vehicle driven by a teenager increases the chances of a car accident. Also, the new law requires that a junior permit must be held for six months before a license can be issued. This new approach should help give the driver more time to gain experience and much-needed practice behind the wheel. Also, the supervised driving requirement before the road test will increase from 20 to 50 hours.

Continue reading "NY Makes Changes to Licensing Laws" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury

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A woman suffered injuries in a Staten Island car accident after an out-of-control SUV plowed through the glass window of a store in Mariners Harbor and pinned her. According to a news report in the Staten Island Advance, the woman was waiting in line for the cashier with her toddler son and another young son close by. Thankfully, no one else was injured in this horrific car accident. The driver of the SUV, described by officials as an elderly female driver, sustained minor injuries. Firefighters had to free the young mom from under the SUV. An investigation is ongoing.

New York car accident lawyers know that a majority of auto accidents are caused as a result of someone else's negligence. In this particular case, we do not know what caused the elderly driver to go through the storefront. However, if the woman is found to be at-fault, under New York law, she could be held liable for the injuries and damages caused in this car accident.

Continue reading "Staten Island Car Accident Injures Young Mother" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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Nine preschool kids, a matron, and their bus driver sustained injuries in a New York car accident after the driver of a sedan ran a stop sign. The sedan then rammed into the bus and caused it to flip over on its side. According to a news report in the Times Newsweekly, the accident occurred in the Middle Village area on 69th Road. The female driver of the sedan was heading northbound on 75th Street. Apparently, this intersection has been the site of several other serious auto accidents in recent years. The hazardous roadway has even prompted residents to call repeatedly for installation of a traffic control device in the area. The nine children, matron and bus driver were transported to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the sedan suffered minor injuries.

City officials say they have sent several letters to the Queens Borough Commissioner for the Department of Transportation requesting traffic safety control devices at that intersection, which has also been the site of a fatal motorcycle accident in 2008. However, the Department of Transportation has not responded to requests for an all-way stop sign, speed bump or conversion of 69th Road to a one-way street.

Continue reading "New York Bus Accident Injures Nine Children" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Bus Accidents , Personal Injury

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The MTA has released new figures showing accidents by each crossing, which show that the Verrazano Narrows saw the greatest increases in the number of accidents. According to a news report in the New York Post, there were 57 more accidents and 17 more injuries there in 2009 than there were in 2008. The RFK Bridge, on the other hand, saw large decreases with 78 less auto accidents and 10 less injuries during the same period. The Bronx-Whitestone, Cross Bay, Marine Parkway, the Queens Midway Tunnel and Throgs Neck Bridges also saw increases in the number of incidents. Officials believe speeding and reckless drivers cause most of the problems on the Verrazano and say they will deploy more MTA officers who will enforce the speed limit there.

Statistical studies are a great yardstick for cities and agencies to measure the safety of their roadways, intersections and crossings. Numbers don't lie. Agencies rely on numbers to determine trends and figure out how to make those roadways safer for the traveling public. It's a significant tool in their arsenal. However, despite these studies and reports, often we find that very little is done to actually improve traffic safety. Dangerous and defective roadways cause hundreds if not thousands of auto accidents in New York City.

Continue reading "MTA Stats Show Auto Accidents and Injuries Have Increased on the Verrazano" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury

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An elderly woman sustained fatal injuries in a New York auto accident after she was hit by an ambulance that was transporting a patient to the hospital, according to a WPIX news report. The woman was reportedly crossing Bay Parkway at Belt Parkway in Brooklyn when she was hit. The victim was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Officials believe that the woman was in her 80s. Officials are apparently trying to determine whether the ambulance had its lights and sirens on at the time of the accident.

Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, paralysis and even death. If a pedestrian accident was caused by the negligence of the driver, then the pedestrian may be able to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, therapy and other related costs. If the victim dies as a result of a negligent driver, the family of a deceased victim may be able to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation.

Continue reading "Elderly Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Ambulance" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury

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A woman was killed in a New York City car accident involving former network news anchor Tom Brokaw, WPIX reported. The fatal auto accident occurred on the eastbound side of the Bruckner Expressway near the Sheridan Expressway. The Brokaws noticed a spool of cable in the far right lane when an SUV in the right lane speeded up in an effort to avoid the cable on the roadway.

The victim's SUV then crashed into a mail truck and overturned. She was ejected from the SUV and went over the highway falling onto train tracks. According to news reports, Brokaw said the mail truck swerved into their lane and he was forced to slam on the brakes causing their vehicle to crash into the mail truck. Brokaw and his wife were not injured in the accident. The female driver of the SUV died at the scene. The driver of the mail truck sustained minor injuries.

Continue reading "Car Accident Involving Tom Brokaw Caused by Debris on New York Expressway" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A new law that has taken effect this month will make it a felony to drive with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.08 percent with a passenger who is under the age of 16. According to a news report, this new law, known as Leandra's Law states that a first offense will carry a potential prison sentence of up to four years; up to 15 years if a child passenger is seriously injured; and up to 25 years if the child is killed. The legislation, adopted last month, was named after Leandra Rosada, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a Manhattan DUI car accident.

Drivers charged under this law will also be required to surrender their driving privileges pending prosecution. If convicted, drivers must install an ignition interlock system in the car for at least six months. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2008 alone, there were 9,202 alcohol-related car accidents in New York. In those crashed 488 children under the age of 18 were injured or killed.

Continue reading "New Law to Curb Drunk Driving in New York" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury

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A new study by Consumer Reports shows that Toyota Motor Corp. registered way more complaints regarding sudden acceleration in its 2008 model year vehicles than any other auto maker. According to a news report in the Los Angeles Times, Toyota and Lexus got 41 percent of all consumer complaints that were logged by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that had to do with runaway acceleration. Toyota topped Chrysler, Honda, General Motors and Nissan combined with regard to this auto product defect issue. Ford came in second with 28 percent of complaints relating to sudden or inadvertent acceleration.

Toyota issued its largest ever vehicle defect recall last month of 4.2 million vehicles after a fatal car accident in San Diego that killed four people. Initially, defective floor mats were thought to have caused the accelerator to jam in the Lexus involved in that particular accident. But a federal investigation determined that the problem also had to do with the way the accelerator pedals were designed in these vehicles. So far, 19 people have died in sudden acceleration accidents involving Toyotas since 2002 model year, Los Angeles Times review of records shows.

Continue reading "2008 Toyota and Lexus Models Receive Most Complaints for Sudden Acceleration" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls

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Nissan North America is recalling more than 10,500 model year 2009 Sentra sedans that are equipped with Bosch master cylinders because of the risk of the brake fluid leaking from the master cylinders. According a news report in Automotive Fleet, the brake system warning indicator will illuminate if the amount of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir decreases to below the minimum level. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that if the driver ignores this cautionary light, one of the brake circuits in the vehicle may fail, thus increasing the stopping distances and risking a car accident.

Brake defects are extremely serious auto product defects that can result in catastrophic injuries or even death. Motorists count on a vehicle's brakes to be able to stop, which is especially important when a driver needs to avoid a crash involving a person or a vehicle. More than one person's life could be in jeopardy if a car's brakes fail. The sudden lack of braking function could very well lead to a crash and can be a difficult situation even for the most experienced driver. Hundreds of people are killed each year because of defective brakes with problems that include premature lock-up, ABS failures, brake fluid leaks or brake-line defects.

Continue reading "Nissan Recalls Sentras for Defective Brakes" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls

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Thousands of innocent car accident victims lose their lives or are severely injured each year as a result of drunk drivers. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal in every state. Now, according to an Associated Press news report, New York City officials are reassessing the legal process that determines whether someone was drinking and driving in a serious car accident. This process began after blood alcohol tests were not performed for two hours on two off-duty officers who were charged with vehicular manslaughter in separate incidents.

In the case of the two officers, they declined to take breath tests at the scene, which they are allowed to do under the law. Both were tested several hours later. One test came back clean while the other showed the blood alcohol level to be twice the legal limit. The problem here is that the delay in the testing process gives drunk drivers the time to sober up. City police commissioner Raymond Kelly has assembled a panel to discuss this important issue with district attorneys and formulate ways to get these sobriety tests done in a quick and effective manner so accurate blood alcohol reading may be obtained.

Continue reading "Officials in New York City Reassessing DWI Test Process" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A federal auto safety agency has opened an investigation regarding possible airbag defects in Ford F-150 pickup trucks. According to a news blog in The Car Connection, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation is looking into "inadvertent airbag deployment" in the Ford pickup trucks. The agency has received eight complaints from consumers who stated that the driver's side airbag deployed unexpectedly either when starting the engine or shortly afterward. Five out of eight, who complained about this auto product defect, said they sustained injuries as a result of sudden airbag deployment. The investigative report states that wire chaffing may have been a potential cause of the airbag deploying without any cause or warning. The investigation involves only the 2005 model Ford F-150 so far.

Airbag defects in New York and throughout the United States can lead to devastating injuries or even death. As consumers, we count on the latest technology in our automobiles – such as airbags – to protect us in the event of a car accident. However, there have been many instances where airbags fail to deploy or deploy when there is no crash. In this case, the possibility of a car crash is very high because the defective airbags that could deploy inadvertently are on the driver's side.

Continue reading "Ford F-150 Airbags Investigated for Sudden Deployment" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls

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A 67-year-old woman was killed in a New York car accident after being struck by the suspected drunk driver. According to the New York Daily News, the driver, a 22-year veteran of the NYPD as well as a high-profile detective, has been charged with DWI, vehicular homicide and criminally negligent homicide in this fatal injury accident.

The elderly pedestrian had been pushing a shopping cart filled with recyclable cans and bottles when a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu hit her. Witnesses said the impact from the collision threw the victim in the air causing her to land 20 to 30 feet away. The off-duty policeman apparently was so impaired that he did not realize he had struck a woman. The driver has been since released on a $100,000 bond, as an investigation is pending.

Article 31 of the New York State Vehicle & Traffic Law concerns alcohol and drug-related offenses. Section 1192 Driving while intoxicated; per se states: "No person shall operate a motor vehicle while such person has .08 of one per centum or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood as shown by chemical analysis of such person's blood, breath, urine or saliva, made pursuant to the provisions of section 1194 of this article."

Continue reading "Fatal DWI Car Accident, NYPD Detective Charged" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Law & Information , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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In a move to combat the growing number of serious injury accidents on New York state roadways, legislators have enacted a new law, which makes it illegal to text and drive at the same time. This law also prohibits the use of portable and mobile handheld devices for reading, typing and sending text messages while driving. Talking on a hand held cell or mobile phone is of course, already against the law. Anyone, in violation of the new law will face fines of up to $150.

This is definitely a crucial step in reducing the effects of distracted driving – a problem that is growing rapidly with the ready availability of low cost communication devices. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) looked into the effects of driver distraction with respect to both behavioral and vehicle safety countermeasures. In their report released this year, they estimate 5,870 people lost their lives and another 515,000 people were injured in 2008 in police-reported crashes in which at least one form of driver distraction was reported on the crash. Also, according to data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for that same period, driver distraction was reported to have been involved in 16 percent of all fatal crashes in 2008.

Continue reading "New York Texting While Driving Ban Goes Into Effect" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Law & Information , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A 9-year-old girl died and a 3-year-old boy was seriously injured in a pedestrian accident on Halloween Day. According to an ABC news report, the two children were struck by an SUV while crossing the street. The fatal injury accident occurred when a group of children and adults, many in Halloween costumes and out trick-or-treating, were crossing Washington Avenue in Nutley. A 44-year-old man driving an SUV then reportedly hit the young boy and the girl. The girl was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash while the boy was taken to a local hospital. The driver had remained at the accident site.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reports in 2008, there were 15,620 accidents involving pedestrian-auto collisions. Out of these, 302 were fatal and 15,291 were injury-related pedestrian accidents. Based on this news report, it is not clear exactly what happened to cause the SUV to run into the children.

Continue reading "New Jersey Halloween Auto Accident Proves Fatal" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Two men were killed in a Queens New York motorcycle accident after they crashed into a car. According to an ABC News report, the accident occurred at the intersection of 32ns Avenue and 88th Street. The 2008 Yamaha motorcycle, which was westbound on 32nd Avenue struck a Dodge Intrepid, which was going south on 88th Street. According to eyewitnesses, the impact from the crash sent the motorcycle's passenger flying down the street about 200 feet. That 27-year-old passenger was pronounced dead at the scene as was the 22-year-old driver. A man, his wife and their baby, who were in the Intrepid, were taken to an area hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.

In this accident, as with any other car accident, there needs to be an official determination as to who is at fault for causing the crash. When two vehicles collide at an intersection, it is important to look into whether someone failed to yield the right-of-way or whether one of the drivers ran a red light. Usually, the at-fault party could be held liable for the accident and resulting injuries.

Continue reading "Two Killed in New York City Motorcycle Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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The New York Post reported recently that a Shirley man was hit and fatally injured by a pickup truck on the William Floyd Parkway near Sunrise Highway. The accident happened when a Center Moriches woman driving a 2004 Chevy Silverado hit the man and then fled the scene. The accident victim died at the site of the crash.

Suffolk County police say the woman, who turned herself in later, was driving while intoxicated (DWI) at the time of the accident. Police charged the woman with DWI when she did not pass a field sobriety test. Officials have identified the suspect as a Long Island teacher.

Statistics provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reveal that there were 9,202 alcohol-related auto accidents in 2008. Out of these accidents in New York, 355 were fatal and 4,775 were injury-related. It is estimated there were 82 pedestrians killed in all New York alcohol-related accidents in 2008.

Continue reading "Long Island Auto Accident Kills Man" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Mitsubishi is recalling about 530 Endeavor vehicles from its 2010 model year because the retainer bracket used for the seat-mounted side airbag frames may not have been properly welded. The airbag could fail in the event of the crash by failing to deploy. This auto product defect in New York and throughout the nation applies only to Mitsubishi Endeavors manufactured between May 26 and July 28, 2009. During the recall, vehicle dealers will check the weld, and if necessary, replace the seatback assembly free of charge.

As motorists, we depend on airbags to protect us at the time of a crash. But when airbags fail to deploy the injuries can be catastrophic or lethal. If you or a loved one has been severely injured or killed as a result of a faulty airbag, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer of such a defective product. Whether your injuries involve airbags that deployed when they weren't supposed to or a non-deployed airbag, the auto maker could be held liable for making the defective auto product.

Continue reading "Mitsubishi Recalls Vehicles for Possible Airbag Defects" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls

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Toyota Motor Corp. has issued a large-scale auto product defect recall involving 3.8 million vehicles, the company's largest ever recall in the United States. According to an Associated Press news report, the recall is being issued to address problems with a removable floor mat that could cause accelerators to get stuck and lead to a crash. Toyota has not been able to resolve the issue with the mat and is asking consumers to remove the mats and not substitute them until the company comes up with a fix.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has so far received 102 incident reports where the accelerator may have become stuck as a result of these defective floor mats. The recall was spurred by a fatal car accident in San Diego where a California Highway Patrol officer and three of his family members were killed after the floor mat of the Lexus he was driving slipped and the accelerator got stuck. The car barreled out of control and reached speeds of 120 mph before crashing and bursting into flames. The recall will affect 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry; 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon; 2004-2009 Toyota Prius; 2005-2010 Tacoma; 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra; 2007-2010 Lexus ES350 and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS350.

Continue reading "Toyota Recalls Vehicles for Defective Floor Mats" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls

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Distracted drivers are one of the main causes of serious car accidents in New York City. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured as a result of someone else's negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. Very often, accidents happen when someone takes their eyes off the road for a few seconds.

According to a recent news report in The Day, a well-known Connecticut woman was killed recently in a car accident on Route 32 caused by a New York woman who is accused of using a cell phone and driving under the influence of alcohol. The suspected drunk driver allegedly crashed into the back of a Toyota Sienna, which in turn collided with a Hyundai Elantra driven by the victim. The woman was taken to the hospital where she died of her injuries.

This is only one of many tragedies that occur on our nation's roadways as a result of distracted or intoxicated drivers. Recent studies show that distracted drivers are as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than intoxicated drivers.

Continue reading "New York Auto Accident Lawyer Concerned about Distracted Drivers" »

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New York work accident injuries can be devastating. Workers or employees who get injured on the job can suffer debilitating injuries that can cause them to lose their job and their livelihood. In such cases, injured victims need representation from an experienced New York workers compensation attorney who can uphold their rights and make sure they get the compensation they rightfully deserve.

There are a number of New York on-the-job injuries where victims are left disabled for life or unable to perform the job they were performing before. A New York police officer, who was injured on the job four years ago in a car accident that caused him to quit his job, has settled his civil lawsuit for $1.2 million, the Staten Island Advance reports.

The 32-year-old officer was a passenger in the back seat of an unmarked Chevy Impala that was responding to a burglary on September 23, 2005 when the driver, another police officer, went on opposing lanes of traffic and collided with a car that was making a turn. The officer suffered injuries to his shoulder, back and neck. He was able to return to his job two months later, but could remain on the force only for two months before he had to get further surgery and treatment.

Continue reading "New York Police Officer Compensated for On-the-Job Injury" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Workers Compensation , Workplace Injuries

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A pedestrian was killed in what was an apparent hit-and-run car accident in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow. The man was in his 20s and was found partially in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Police said the man must have been struck by a vehicle that left the scene. Anyone who saw the accident or knows the identity of the victim or the driver is asked to call 800-244-TIPS.

It is illegal in New York to leave the scene of an accident, especially when the accident has resulted in personal injury. The law states: "Any person operating a motor vehicle who, knowing or having cause to know that personal injury has been caused to another person, due to an incident involving the motor vehicle operated by such person shall, before leaving the place where the said personal injury occurred, stop, exhibit his or her license and insurance identification card for such vehicle…and give his or her name, residence, including street and street number, insurance carrier and insurance identification information including but not limited to the number and effective dates of said individual's insurance policy and license number, to the injured party, if practical, and also to a police officer, or in the event that no police officer is in the vicinity of the place of said injury, then, he or she shall report said incident as soon as physically able to the nearest police station or judicial officer."

Continue reading "New York Fatal Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Law & Information , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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The New York Police Department has suspended two police officers who were involved in a DUI car accident that killed a pedestrian in Brooklyn. According to an ABC News report, one of the officers who was driving the car, was charged in the drunk driving accident that killed a young girl who was crossing the street at East 56th Street and Avenue N. The pedestrian accident victim was taken to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead. The suspected drunk driver, the police officer, was off-duty at the time of the crash, officials said. He has been charged with DWI and vehicular manslaughter.

In New York, driving under the influence is a serious crime. It is illegal in New York to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent. It is always disheartening when an individual who is supposed to uphold the law, breaks it. In this case, it resulted in the death of a young girl.

As New York drunk driving victim lawyers who fight for DUI victims' rights, it is our belief that drunk drivers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law regardless of their title, position or status in society. Victims of DUI accidents can seek compensation to cover various expenses such as medical costs, lost earning and other damages.

Continue reading "NYPD Officer Faces DUI Charges in Fatal Brooklyn Pedestrian Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Fatal auto accidents dramatically rose in New York City in 2008, according to Department of Transportation statistics released recently. According to a news report in the New York Post, one person died every 30 hours in New York City as a result of fatal traffic accidents. New York City crashes killed 292 pedestrians, drivers, passengers, bicyclists and motorcyclist in 2008. That's 18 people more than in 2007. While most cities around the country saw a drop in traffic accident deaths, the trend went the opposite way in New York City.

Experts say that so many lives do not have to be lost and that auto accidents are entirely preventable with sound engineering and better enforcement.

Most of the fatal traffic accidents occurred at major intersections including Webster Avenue and Fordham Road in the Bronx (14 pedestrian injuries); Atlantic Avenue and Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn (43 auto accidents); Houston Street and Lexington Avenue at 34th Street (five bicycle accidents). Overall, pedestrian fatalities last year jumped to 147, seven more than in 2007.

Continue reading "Auto Accident Fatalities Increase in New York City" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Law & Information , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A 36-year-old man was killed in a New York car accident after he slammed into the back of a Department of Transportation dump truck on the Brooklyn Bridge, the New York Daily News reports. Traffic investigators believe the man was traveling from his East New York home when he lost control of his 2008 gray Honda Accord and crashed into the truck. The truck, which was unoccupied, had a flashing electronic arrow to alert drivers, the report said. New York police are not sure what caused the driver to crash into the truck, but are looking into whether alcohol may have been an issue.

New York auto accidents are caused by many factors. In some cases, a car accident is caused as a result of someone else's negligence. That could include a dangerous condition on the roadway or an auto product defect that caused the driver to lose control of his or her vehicle and crash. If the accident was caused as a result of a vehicle defect, the auto maker or the manufacturer of the defective auto product could be held liable. If a dangerous road condition caused or contributed to the car accident, the city or any entity that has jurisdiction over the roadway could be held liable. In New York, claims against governmental entities must be filed within 90 days of the accident or injury.

Continue reading "New York City Auto Accident Kills Man" »

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A teenager has been charged with drunk driving after a fatal New York car accident, which killed a 31-year-old man, according to an ABC news report. New York police said a 2008 Lexus four-door gray sedan driven by an 18-year-old man struck a 31-year-old man on Sutter Avenue in Queens, N.Y. The injured pedestrian was taken to an area hospital where he died. The teen was arrested and charged with operating a vehicle after consuming an alcoholic beverage.

Thousands of Americans lose their lives every year in drunk driving car accidents. Thousands more are injured – many disabled for life – because of negligent drivers who make a conscious decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated. In the State of New York, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher. Those who drive drunk and injure people or damage property must be held accountable for their actions.

Continue reading "Fatal New York DUI Auto Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Honda has recalled an additional 440,000 Civic, Accord and Acura TLs to repair a potential airbag defect, according to this CNN news report. This defective auto product recall in New York and throughout our nation involves driver-side airbags in certain 2001-02 Honda Accords, 2001 Civic models and 2002-03 Acura TLs. In some of these cars, the airbag inflators can produce over pressurization of the driver's front airbag inflator mechanism during airbag deployment. This can cause the inflator casing to rupture and metal fragments could pass through the cloth airbag cushion material, posing the risk of injury or death to the vehicles' occupants. With a damaged airbag, occupants may not be protected in the event of a car accident.

Airbag defects are serious vehicle defects that can result in catastrophic injuries or death to a vehicle's occupants. We count on airbags to deploy and cushion the impact of a car crash. But when airbags do not work the way they are supposed to function, it can result in severe trauma to those in the vehicle.

Continue reading "Honda Recalls Cars for Airbag Defects" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls , Product Recalls

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A 20-year-old man was critically injured and killed in a Staten Island motorcycle accident after his motorcycle collided with a livery cab. According to a news report in the Staten Island Advance, the motorcyclist was thrown off his bike after he crashed into a livery cab. The motorcycle also caught fire in the incident. Apparently, this summer has been deadly for motorcyclists in Staten Island. This was the fourth motorcyclist to die in separate accidents since June, the report states.

Motorcycles may be fun to ride especially during the summer, but they also come with inherent danger. Motorcycle crashes may occur due to the rider not wearing proper protective gear. But often times, motorcycle accidents occur because other motorists are not paying attention. Many of us do not realize that we share the road with motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. As experienced New York motorcycle accident attorneys, we see almost on a daily basis that motorists do not consciously look for motorcycles, bicycles or pedestrians when they are changing lanes or making a turn. A lot of motorcycle accidents particularly occur when the other vehicle is attempting to make a left turn.

Continue reading "Fatal Staten Island Motorcycle Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Crime reports show drunk driving arrests among women are rapidly rising in the United States while DUI arrests among men are falling, according to a news report. A fatal New York car accident caused by an intoxicated female driver, which killed eight people including four children, has drawn attention to this issue in the last month. Experts say more and more women are driving drunk and here's the disturbing part – they're doing it with their children in the vehicles. According to FBI crime reports, the number of women arrested while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs was 28.8 percent higher in 2007 than it was 10 years earlier.

Drunk driving is a serious offense in New York and other states. In most states it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more. A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also confirmed the FBI statistics. That study shows about 2,000 traffic accident deaths a year involve an intoxicated female driver.

Continue reading "More DUI Car Accidents Caused by Women" »

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A woman suffered critical injuries in a Queens pedestrian accident after an out-of-control van struck her inside Flushing Meadow Park, ABC News reports. Witnesses say the van was weaving in and out of traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway and then sped down the ramp, crashed into a parked vehicle, hopped a curb and then hit the woman.

The injured victim was apparently enjoying a family picnic at the park when she was struck. The 49-year-old driver has been charged with reckless driving, endangerment and leaving the scene of an accident.

In cases where unsuspecting victims are injured as a result of someone else's recklessness, negligence or callous disregard for public safety, victims and their families can seek significant compensation for their injuries and loss. This is especially true in cases where someone has been killed, critically injured, is incurring a lot of medical expenses, and also in cases where the victim needs 24/7 medical care for the long term.

Continue reading "Queens Hit-and-Run Car Accident Critically Injures Woman" »

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New York State lawmakers have officially passed a law that bans texting while driving across the state. According to a WKTV news report, texting while driving was banned in some counties, but now texting while driving is illegal across the entire state. Those who break the law face a $150 fine. However, some worry about a catch with the new law, which is considered a "secondary offense." This means that a driver can only get a ticket for texting and driving if they are pulled over for breaking another law.

Despite this loophole, the ban on texting while driving has been a long time coming in New York State. While driving while using a hand-held cell phone has been proven to be dangerous, the chance of getting into an accident is much more while texting and driving because the driver loses use of both hands. Your hands are not on the wheel and your attention is hardly on the road when you are texting and driving!

If you have been seriously injured by a distracted or negligent driver, you may be entitled to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of hospitalization, loss of earnings, cost of long-term care and other related expenses. If a death occurs as a result of such an auto accident in New York caused by a distracted driver, the family of the deceased auto accident victim may even be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. In cases where the texting driver was on the job or communicating with his or her employer, the employer may also be held liable for injuries in addition to the negligent driver.

Continue reading "Texting Ban Takes Effect in New York State" »

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A Queens, New York, man, his sister and his cousin were killed on the Interstate 95 in Georgia after a drunk driver heading the wrong way plowed head-on into their minivan, the New York Daily News reports. The 59-year-old man and five of his relatives were reportedly driving from New York to Florida for a wedding when the pickup truck driven by a drunk driver slammed into their 2001 Mazda MPV. All three were killed. The driver of the pickup truck was also killed in the car crash. His Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck was apparently littered with bottles of alcohol, officials said.

Every year, at least 17,000 people are killed as a result of alcohol-related car accidents. The drunk drivers who cause these fatal car accidents and heartbreak to the members of the victims' families should be held accountable for their reckless and senseless actions. In New York State and most other states, it is illegal to driver under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher.

Continue reading "New York Man Killed in DUI Car Accident" »

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A 51- year-old man was struck and killed by a FedEx truck in a Long Island pedestrian accident. The 25-year-old driver of the FedEx truck has not yet been charged. The man was killed when the truck struck him and then crashed into a line of parked cars. According to this CBS news report, the truck driver and a woman seated in one of the cars were hospitalized with injuries. Witnesses apparently saw the truck traveling at a high rate of speed before the crash. Long Island city police officials are investigating the fatal pedestrian collision.

If your New York auto accident or pedestrian accident was caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to significant compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other costs associated with your injuries. If the auto accident resulted in death, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim. If the negligent driver was on the job at the time of the accident, both the driver and his or her employer may be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries.

Continue reading "Long Island Fatal Pedestrian Accident" »

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Three serious injury-causing driving while intoxicated (DWI) car accidents in New York State have helped shine the limelight on DWI laws in the state. According to this news report, New York State ranks well when it comes to tough DWI laws, which experts say, are sufficient to curb the problem of drunk driving. However, enforcing those laws to prevent drunk driving accidents in NY is a different issue, they say.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) ranks New York State 13th in the nation for stringent DUI laws. But, group representatives say they would like to see a better utilization of the ignition interlock devices. Convicted drunk drivers are required to blow into the machines in order to start their vehicles. Several critics also say New York does not have mandatory jail time for DWI convictions, even if it involves repeat offenders. Jail time is only an option for judges to decide during sentencing in DUI cases.

Continue reading "New York DUI Car Crashes Cause Significant Injuries" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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A woman was injured in a motorcycle accident in New York after the motorcycle she was riding crashed with a pickup truck on Route 611 in Tannersville, the Pocono Record reports. The injured victim was airlifted to the hospital because of the extent of her injuries. She was reportedly wearing a helmet. Police are still trying to determine the cause of this injury motorcycle accident.

In any New York auto accident or motorcycle crash, it is very important to thoroughly and completely investigate who or what caused the accident. Whether the accident involves two or more vehicles or it involved a single vehicle, it is important to find out what caused it. The most common cause of auto accidents include driver error, negligence, impairment due to alcohol or drugs, a defective auto product or a dangerous roadway condition.

Continue reading "New York Motorcycle Accident Injures Woman" »

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Eight people were killed in a three-vehicle New York car accident, including four children, according to this CNN news report. The car crash involved a minivan carrying five children and one adult that was heading the wrong way on a northbound lane of the Taconic State Parkway, New York State Police said. The minivan crashed head-on into an SUV carrying three adults. The minivan then slammed into a third vehicle before rolling over and bursting into flames. One child in the minivan survived with major injuries. Two adults in the third vehicle sustained minor injuries.

In any New York traffic accident case, it is extremely important to conduct a thorough and independent investigation to determine all the facts of the case and whether there was any negligence. In cases where there is negligence or wrongdoing, families of deceased victims may be able to file wrongful death claims that generally compensate these families for medical or funeral expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages.

Continue reading "New York Car Accident Kills Eight" »

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Seven people were injured in a NY pedestrian accident when an out-of-control car in West New York collided with them, according to this CBS news report. The car apparently crashed into a bevy of shoppers who were gathered for a sidewalk sale on Berginline Avenue. Several victims said they were helpless as the SUV came right at them. One pedestrian was pinned against a street pole. The most seriously injured victim was a 44-year-old man who was hospitalized with several broken bones. The driver of the SUV, a 43-year-old man, has been charged with driving under the influence.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs – be it recreational or prescription drugs – is against New York law. It is illegal in New York and most other states to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. In such cases, if the drivers are determined to have been drunk or intoxicated at the time of the crash, they could be held civilly and criminally liable for the accident and injuries caused. Victims could seek compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of pay and other related costs.

Continue reading "New York Pedestrian Accident Injures Seven" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury

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Eight people, including two New York Police Department officers, were injured after a police patrol car struck another vehicle and several pedestrians the afternoon of June 30, 2009. According to this CBS News report, the car accident in New York occurred on East 5th Street and Avenue D when the patrol car traveling at a high rate of speed on Avenue D crashed into a white sedan turning on to East 5th Street.

At this point, it is not clear which vehicle was at fault for the collision. After the police cruiser slammed into the sedan, it spun onto the sidewalk and struck several pedestrians. Two officers, three people from the other car and three pedestrians were taken to an area hospital. Five of the injured victims are said to be in serious condition.

In cases where governmental agencies are found responsible for causing an auto accident or pedestrian accident in NY, injured victims may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries and loss. In this case, it would also be important to find out whether the police officers were responding to a call or had their lights and sirens on at the time to warn other motorists. If the police officer driving the cruiser is found to be at fault, the injured victims may be able to file a claim against the New York Police Department. Filing a claim against a government agency must be done as soon as possible. In New York City, such a claim must be filed within 90 days of an incident.

Continue reading "New York City Auto Accident Injures Eight" »

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General Motors Corp. has agreed to take responsibility for future auto product liability claims, removing what may have been a huge obstacle on auto maker's path to a quick sale of its assets and emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a "new company."

According to an Associated Press article, GM has wished to walk away from liabilities such as defective product lawsuits. But after a significant opposition from consumer groups, attorneys and state officials, GM has said the new company will assume responsibility for future claims involving defective vehicles sold by the old company.

The fact that the "new GM" will protect consumers who were seriously injured by defective "old GM" vehicles is a positive development and a victory for consumers. But GM's concession still does not help those who have been hurt by GM vehicles. Consumers who have been hurt by Chrysler have little or no recourse in product liability cases in New York and throughout the U.S.

Continue reading "GM to Assume Responsibility for Future Product Liability Claims" »

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Posted In: Auto Product Liability , Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Product Liability & Recalls

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Six New York City residents suffered injuries in a car accident after their Subaru was rear-ended by another car on Route 80 as they were trying to pull over to the shoulder to fix a malfunctioning windshield wiper.

According to this news report, the Subaru Forrester was traveling west on the highway's express lanes in Totowa when the driver tried to pull over. The SUV was rear-ended by a BMW sports utility vehicle. The Subaru's passengers suffered rib injuries and head injuries, the news report stated.

In any traffic accident in New York or New Jersey, if the other party is determined to have been reckless or negligence, you as the injury victim can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, long-term care and other related damages.

Continue reading "Six New York Residents Injured in Auto Accident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , SUV & Van Rollovers

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Auto accidents constitute one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the United States. What is traumatic brain injury (TBI)? Basically, it is damage to the brain caused by a blow to the head. Coping with the life-changing consequences of a traumatic brain injury presents a great challenge not only for injury victims and their families, but also to doctors, therapists and society at large.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1.4 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries each year in the United States and about 50,000 people die from the injury. The cost of traumatic brain injuries in the United States is estimated at $48.3 billion annually: $31.7 billion in hospitalization costs and another $16.6 billion in costs associated with fatalities.

The CDC also estimates the total cost of acute care and rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury victims in the United States is $9 billion to $10 billion per year, not including indirect costs to families and society in lost earnings, work time, productivity for family members and caregivers, employers or the costs associated with providing social services. Over a lifetime, brain injury care can cost between $600,000 and $1.8 million for a survivor of severe traumatic brain injury.

Continue reading "Traumatic Brain Injuries Can be Costly, Emotional" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Brain Injuries , Personal Injury

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A 25-year-old New York woman was killed in a motorcycle accident after her motorcycle hit the back of a box truck in on the Interstate 95 in Greenwich. According to this news report in the Stamford Advocate, the woman fell off her Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle after striking the truck as she tried to move from the left to the center lanes. After falling off her bike, the woman was struck by another motorcycle and a car, the news report stated. She was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are about 4 million registered motorcycles in the United States. Motorcycles are gaining popularity with Americans because of their low initial cost and good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle accident fatalities represent 5 percent of all highway fatalities each year, but motorcycles represent only 2 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States.

One of the main reasons motorcyclists are killed in motorcycle accidents in New York and throughout the United States is because the motorcycle itself provides no protection in a crash. For example, about 80 percent of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. Only 20 percent of other auto accidents result in injury or death.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Accident Kills New York Woman" »

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A dangerously or defectively designed or maintained roadway can result in serious auto accidents in New York causing significant injuries or even death. A new study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation shows that more than half of the highway auto accident fatalities in the United States are related to dangerous or deficient roadway conditions.

According to this news report, dangerous roadway conditions is a substantially more lethal factor than drunk driving accidents, speeding or even lack of using seatbelts. Ten roadway-related car crashes occur every minute and also contribute to 38 percent of non-fatal injuries.

There is no question that making our roadways safer is necessary to reduce highway fatalities and related costs. Safer drivers and safer cars remain important factors. However, if we place a strong focus on improving road safety conditions as we do in urging people not to drink and drive, we would save thousands of lives and billions of dollars each year. According to this study, New York ranks fifth among the top 10 states that spend the most money in crashes involving deficient roadways.

Continue reading "Dangerous Roadways Cause More Highway Fatalities than Drunk Drivers, Study Finds" »

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Six people were hurt in a bus accident in Robinson, Pennsylvania after a sport utility vehicle crashed into a Greyhound bus which was traveling from New York City to St. Louis. Police said the auto accident occurred on the southbound ramp to the Interstate 79 near the parkway in Robinson. According to this news report, driver of the SUV, 26-year-old Michael Kuzo, was reportedly speeding when he rear-ended the Greyhound bus. The SUV then spun out of control and rolled over several times. Kuzo was extricated from the vehicle and is in the hospital with critical injuries. The bus was carrying 55 passengers. Five passengers were treated for injuries at local hospitals.

Taking the bus is a way of life for New Yorkers. Be it a bus, taxi or the subway, public transportation is something we use everyday to get to work, school, social events and other destinations. In some cases, bus accidents are caused by other motorists. But in many cases, bus accidents occur because of driver negligence, an impaired driver, lack of proper bus maintenance or a product defect.

It takes experienced New York bus accident lawyers to look into all aspects of an auto accident and determine the facts to discover whether someone's negligence or recklessness caused the accident and the resulting injuries. If you have been injured by someone else's negligence, you deserve to get fair compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of earnings and other related damages. If you have been seriously injured in a New York bus accident, please call the New York personal injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free and comprehensive consultation.

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Three people have died in a Queens car accident after the driver lost control of his car and struck a concrete barrier, the New York Post reports in a story. New York City police officials say the driver of the 1993 Volvo lost control of his vehicle and crashed. No other vehicle was involved. The victims' names were not available, but police say the driver was 26 years old and the two other victims, also men, were 27. The fatal auto accident occurred at the corner of 48th Street and Laurel Hill Road.

Auto accidents occur for many reasons. Some auto accidents in New York are caused by careless drivers who either driver recklessly or negligently. This could include drivers who are speeding, running red lights or operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Some fall victim to other negligent drivers on the road. In some cases, auto accidents are caused because of a dangerous roadway or intersection and in other cases they are caused by product defects in the vehicle.

Depending on who or what caused the auto accident, experienced New York auto accident lawyers may be able to file a claim on your behalf to seek fair compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. In cases where another individual has been negligent or there was wrongdoing on the part of another person or entity, New York personal injury lawyers may be able to file wrongful death claims on behalf of deceased victims' families. Such claims compensate victims' families for medical and/or funeral expenses, loss of wages, loss of companionship and other related damages.

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Two people died in a New York motorcycle accident following a collision with another vehicle. According to this CBS News report, Robert Williams Jr. and his passenger Sherry Moulton died in the fatal motorcycle crash. They were both 40 years old. Williams was reportedly driving a 2007 Harley Davidson when he passed a dump truck and then crashed into a car, which was making a left turn into the driveway. Williams and Moulton were thrown off the motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries.The driver of the car, who has not been identified, and his passenger sustained minor injuries.

Serious auto accidents have a devastating impact on the injured victims as well as their families. When you are injured in an auto accident in New York, the first step is to make sure you get proper medical care and attention. Once you have taken care of yourself, it would be in your best interest to contact experienced New York car accident lawyers, especially if you believe that you or a loved one was injured by a negligent driver.

Who is a negligent driver? Such a motorist could include someone who is speeding, running a red light, breaking traffic regulations, driving recklessly without any regard for public safety, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In such cases, it is most important that you consult with skilled NY personal injury attorneys who will help protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation and justice you rightfully deserve. Injured in an auto accident? Please contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro today to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation.

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One man died and two others were injured in a car versus truck accident in New York State. According to this news report, 37-year-old Roberto A. Vasquez was driving a tractor-trailer rig north on Route 60 in he town of Charlotte when a southbound GMC Envoy crossed into the northbound lane directly into Vasquez's path. Donald F. Lines, 65, the driver of the Envoy was killed and his wife, 69-year-old Georgianna E. Lines, was seriously injured in the crash. Vasquez apparently tried to take evasive action, but the GMC hit the nig rig and came to rest on the west shoulder of the roadway, New York State Police officials said. Lines was pronounced dead at the scene while his wife suffered head injuries. Vasquez sustained neck and back injuries in the NY auto accident.

According to the Department of Transportation statistics, there were 3,206 large truck accidents in New York State in 2007 involving both fatal and non-fatal big rig accidents, a significant increase from 2,874 truck accidents in 2006. Some of these truck accidents are caused by truck drivers while others are caused by drivers of passenger vehicles.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York truck accident, it would be in your best interest to contact New York's skilled truck accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will thoroughly analyze the facts of the case, determine whose fault the accident was and make sure the negligent parties are held accountable and you get fair compensation for your injuries, damages and loss.

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A Staten Island pedestrian accident inflicted critical injures on a newspaper delivery man after he was struck near the intersection of Arthur Kill Road and Wood Avenue in Tottenville. According to this news report, Arthur Santos, 42, was seriously hurt while completing his route on the Staten Island street. Santos was hit by a Nissan Maxima while crossing the street. Police said the 19-year-old driver was going at about the 30 mph speed limit. He has not been charged or arrested pending an investigation. Santos has been taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

Each day in New York and in the United States, innocent pedestrians are injured by reckless or negligent motorists. Very often, it is the pedestrian who suffers catastrophic injuries as a result of the collision, not the motorist who strikes the pedestrian. The effects on injured pedestrians can be quite serious including broken bones, paralysis, brain injury, spinal cord injuries or death. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Staten Island pedestrian accident, please contact a skilled Staten Island personal injury attorney to find out more information about your legal rights and options.

According to 2002 pedestrian accident statistics, more than 4,800 pedestrians were killed and 71,000 pedestrians suffered injuries in traffic accidents. Every 7 minutes, a pedestrian was injured in a traffic accident. Experienced New York car accident lawyers can help analyze all aspects of the case and make sure that the negligent parties are identified and held accountable for the pedestrian accident. Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation to discuss your pedestrian accident or auto accident case today.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury

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New York City Fire Department officials are saying that 59 people suffered injuries in a three-vehicle pileup on New York City's Brooklyn Queen's Expressway. According to a news report in the New York Post, a casino bus, another bus and a tractor-trailer collided. Six people were taken to the hospital, but their injuries were not life-threatening. Other injured victims were treated at the scene of the auto accident in New York. Officials are still looking into the cause of this multi-vehicle crash.

Bus accidents in New York have the potential to cause major injuries and deaths. It is fortunate that this bus accident did not result in such devastation. Bus companies – private or public – owe their passengers the "utmost duty of care." What this means is that they owe their passengers the duty to take them to their destination safely. If the bus accident is the bus driver's fault or if it was caused because of the driver's negligence, the bus company can be held liable for injuries caused to passengers. That is also true for other motorists or pedestrians injured by buses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York bus accident, truck accident, or car accident, you would be well-advised to consult experienced New York auto accident attorneys who will vigorously fight for your rights and make sure you receive fair compensation for your damages. Remember that it is best not to talk to insurance companies, attorneys for bus companies or sign any settlements until you have retained a knowledgeable New York personal injury attorney who can counsel you on the best course of action. Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro today to find out more information about how to pursue your legal rights.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Bus Accidents , Personal Injury

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Timothy Otis, a 37-year-old man died in a New York motorcycle accident, according to this news report. Otis was driving west on Route 25 in St. James when he struck a sport utility vehicle that was turning left on to the roadway. The driver of the SUV was treated and released from the hospital. Otis died from his injuries. No one has been cited or arrested pending an investigation.

The most important part of any Long Island car accident investigation is the determination of fault. Who was responsible for the accident? It is extremely common for motorcycle accidents to take place when a vehicle is turning left. These accidents have devastating effects on the motorcycle rider because it is the motorcycle rider who is exposed to the elements and faces a higher risk than the motorist in the passenger vehicle. If the driver of the vehicle is determined to have been negligent, then he or she can be held accountable for the accident and resulting injuries or death. It is also important to find out whether the driver was operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That would make it a criminal case as well.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in New York, please call the skilled New York auto accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will thoroughly investigate the incident, carefully examine police reports and gather the evidence necessary to help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and/or loss. Please call us today.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Motorcycle Accidents

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Romano Dion Price, 23, was killed in a New York DUI auto accident the morning of April 23 after his 1993 Honda was struck by a suspected drunk driver, the Staten Island Advance reports. George Baldini Jr., a sex offender who has been accused of driving drunk and causing this fatal car accident, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter. Baldini apparently had a blood alcohol content of .082 percent when he broadsided Price's Honda at the corner of Forest Avenue and Manor Road. It is illegal in the state of New York, as it is in all other states, to drive with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or more.

If you have been seriously injured or if you have lost a loved one as a result of another driver's negligence, then you could be entitled to compensation to cover medical/funeral expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering or other related damages. Where negligence or wrongdoing are involved, families of deceased auto accident victims can file Staten Island wrongful death claims, which will help them secure fair compensation for their loss. Drunk driving constitutes criminal negligence. Drivers who cause serious injury or death by operating a motor vehicle under the influence can be held civilly and criminally responsible for such negligence.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a drunk or negligent driver, because call the skilled and experienced New York personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP for a free consultation and case evaluation. We will fight for your rights and make sure you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Two Suffolk police officers suffered injuries in a Medford street intersection car accident after their marked patrol car was struck by a truck that had been hit by another car, which had run a red light. According to this news report (http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-lidate1512651184apr14,0,638124.story), five cars were involved in the auto accident in Suffolk County at Route 112 and Express Drive South. The driver of an eastbound Mercury grand Marquis ran a red light and struck a northbound PT Cruiser. The Grand Marquis then hit a light pole and a Ford struck, which in turn crashed into the patrol car. The police car then struck a Toyota Corolla, officials said.

The officers and a passenger in their car were treated at a local hospital. The driver of one other car was also treated for injuries from the New York car accident. The driver of the Grand Marquis was cited for running a red light.

Street intersection safety is a serious problem in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2005 alone, nearly 9,200 people died and about 1 million people were injured in intersection related crashes in the United States. In addition, about 40 to 45 percent of all crashes occur at intersections or are intersection-related. According to 2005 data from the NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System, car crashes caused by red light running resulted in an estimated 805 deaths.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an auto accident caused by a red light runner or a negligent driver, please call New York's experienced auto accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP to find out how you can protect your legal rights and obtain fair compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. We always offer a free and comprehensive consultation.

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A man was killed in a Harlem DUI auto accident in New York and his ambulance got into an accident as well as it was rushing him to the hospital, according to this news report. The 20-year-old DUI auto accident victim was struck at West 120th Street and Seventh Avenue. His ambulance, which was on its way to St. Luke's Hospital, collided with a car at Cathedral Parkway and Manhattan Avenue. A second ambulance then took the victim to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the car that initially struck the victim has been arrested for driving under the influence.

Every year, in the United States, 17,000 people are killed in alcohol-related auto accidents. The drunk drivers who cause these serious injuries and fatalities must be held responsible for their actions. According to 2002 New York traffic statistics, there were 1,522 traffic related deaths of which 478 (31 percent) were alcohol-related.

The New York attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have experience in all areas of personal injury and wrongful death. Our firm works with experts to investigate your case and determine who was at fault. Our attorneys have an excellent understanding of the intricacies of New York's No-Fault Law as well as issues relating to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver, please contact the New York drunk driving victim lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Drunk Driving Accident , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Vincent Frodella, 80, was killed in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident in New York after he wandered into Meadowbrook State Parkway. The Alzheimer's patient wandered away from his home onto the roadway, according to an article in the New York Newsday. Frodella was found in a southbound lane of the roadway and was pronounced dead at a hospital. The vehicle or vehicles that struck him did not stop or remain at the scene and are being sought by police. Frodella's family was just notifying Nassau police when officers told them about the fatal pedestrian accident. Anyone with information is asked to call 631-756-3300.

In New York, the law requires all motorists to stop at the scene of an accident – whether it involves other vehicles, bicycles or pedestrians. The law requires drivers to provide identification and insurance information. This is the law in New York whether or not the accident was the driver's fault. In this case, it is entirely possible that the elderly man wandered into traffic lanes and the driver who hit him could not stop in time to avoid the collision. But that does not give the driver the right to leave the scene of a car crash in New York and leave the injured victim lying on the roadway.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York hit-and-run pedestrian accident, please contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro to find out how we can help you pursue your legal rights and obtain fair compensation for your injuries, damages and loss. We will investigate the incident thoroughly, carefully examine police reports and determine who or what caused the accident and resulting injuries. Please call us today to schedule a free and comprehensive consultation.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury

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Three people were injured in an April 24, 2009 car accident on State Route 9 in Queensbury, the Post Star newspaper reports in a story. The auto accident in New York reportedly occurred when a 1999 Mercury Mystique driven by 20-year-old Joshua Goshea failed to yield the right of way while he made a turn on to Route 9, Warren County Sheriff's officials said. Goshea's car apparently turned in front of a 2001 Ford Taurus driven by 34-year-old Charmaine Baker, who was traveling south. The impact from the car crash pushed Goshea's car onto the sidewalk and threw him from the driver's seat to the passenger side. Both the drivers and a passenger were taken to a local hospital with injuries.

If you have been injured in a New York auto accident, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced New York auto accident attorney who will thoroughly investigate the case and determine who was at fault. In cases where negligence or wrongdoing is involved on the part of the other driver, he or she could be held financially responsible for the damages and injuries caused as a result of the accident.

Victims are often entitled to compensation to cover medical expenses, cost of treatment or medication, pain and suffering, loss of earnings, and property damage. When drivers do not follow rules of the road such as stopping at a stop sign, running a red light or yielding right of way, those actions also amount to reckless driving or negligence. Call the skilled car accident lawyers in New York at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP to find out more information about your legal rights and options.

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Five people were killed in an auto accident after their car was struck by a tractor trailer in the New Jersey Turnpike and burst into flames, according to this Associated Press news report. The car had apparently been stopped in traffic in the right southbound lane in Mount Laurel when it was struck by the big rig. The car shot into the center lane with its occupants trapped inside triggering a chain reaction crash involving six other vehicles.

The article identifies the deceased victims as follows – Jeanette Urbano, 72, Salvatore Urbano, 74, Anna Kane, 76, Rose Kane 75 and Francis Kane, 78. Three New York City area residents were also seriously injured in this fatal car accident. Police are looking into whether the driver of the tractor trailer was under the influence of alcohol, which is a routine part of the investigation.

Tractor trailer accidents in New York can have devastating effects on those involved, particularly occupants of passenger vehicles as evidenced in this auto accident. This is because these are large, heavy vehicles that can be hauling up to 80,000 pounds. If the big rig accident is caused by driver error, poor vehicle maintenance or an impaired driver, then both the driver and his employer, the trucking company, could be held liable.

It is very important that injured victims and families of decease victims contact an experienced New York auto accident attorney to find out more information about their legal rights and options. They could be entitled to significant compensation. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York auto accident, please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP for a free consultation.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Truck Accidents

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Ysemny Ramos, a 29-year-old pregnant woman was killed and another woman was seriously injured after a commercial van jumped the curb of a midtown Manhattan sidewalk and crashed into a building. According to this Associated Press news report, the car's driver was arrested. Charges against him are pending for this fatal car accident in Manhattan.

Earlier that same day a taxicab crashed into a pizzeria in the Upper West Side causing injuries to seven people. One person was critically injured in that auto accident in New York. Some children in the pizzeria suffered injuries after they were cut from flying glass. It is not yet known what caused this accident.

In these New York auto accidents, one person died and several were critically injured because of possible negligence on the part of the motorists. In the case where the commercial van hit the building, both the driver and his employer could be held liable for the death and injuries caused. In the case where the taxicab went into the building, if the accident is determined to be the driver's fault, both he and his employer could be held responsible for the accident and resulting injuries.

The injured victims and their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced New York City auto accident attorney who will go after the negligent parties in these cases and help the victims secure the compensation they deserve and need to take care of various expenses. Compensation in New York auto accident cases could cover medical bills, pain and suffering and loss of earnings. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York auto accident, please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free and comprehensive consultation.

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A vehicle breakdown led to a New York car accident that killed 71-year-old Christel Bieroth-Rock of Manhattan on the Saw Mill River Parkway on March 23, 2009. According to this article in The Journal News, Bieroth-Rock was waiting in her stalled 1992 Honda Civic after calling AAA for assistance when her car was rear-ended. The crash occurred minutes after the woman had called AAA, Westchester County police officials said. Bieroth-Rock's Civic had some type of mechanical malfunction. That roadway apparently did not have a shoulder, so Bieroth-Rock waited in her car, the news report said.

If you have been injured in an auto accident in New York because of someone else's negligence, you are entitled to compensation. Such negligence could involve driver error, inattention, alcohol/drugs, or a dangerous roadway. You could be compensated for medical expenses, cost of medication, hospitalization, future treatment, loss of wages, property loss or damage and other related expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto accident, please contact New York's experienced car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP to schedule your free consultation and case evaluation. We have successfully handled thousands of cases involving New York motor vehicle accidents. Our top New York personal injury lawyers have won millions in compensation for clients who were injured because of someone else's negligence. Our experienced lawyers have an excellent knowledge and understanding of New York's No-Fault Law as well as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage issues. Call us today to find out more about your legal rights and options.

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A two-vehicle collision in Cayuga County injured several people recently when a driver went through a stop sign, reports CNYcentral.COM. According to the report, the car versus minivan accident injured all the occupants of the minivan, including head injuries sustained by the front passenger. The identity of the victims and those involved has not been released yet.

The car crash in New York happened in Auburn near the street intersection of Cross Street and Seymour Street when the car failed to stop at a stop sign and struck the minivan as it approached from Seymour Street, Auburn Police said. The minivan then rolled over on the impact of the collision. The passenger traveling in the front seat of the van was in a serious condition following the accident and was airlifted to an area hospital. The other occupants of the minivan were also treated for their injuries at area hospitals. The driver of the car reportedly refused any treatment and has been ticketed for the traffic offense.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that one in four of the approximately 40,000 fatalities that occur each year due to auto accidents nationwide, involve vehicles that overturn and land on their roofs.

The law firm of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP specializes in all types of New York motor vehicle accident cases including automobile rollovers and defective auto parts cases. We will aggressively pursue the negligent parties and recover compensation to help pay and reimburse victims for medical expenses, lost wages, future medical treatment, and other damages. Our skilled New York car collision attorneys take pride in representing and helping their clients. We will be happy to provide you with a free initial consultation and help you better understand the legal rights and options in your case.

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Suffolk County police officials are looking for a hit-and-run driver who they say struck and injured a female pedestrian as she was attempting to cross Sunrise Highway in East Islip, according to this ABC news report. The New York pedestrian accident victim was identified as 25-year-old Heather DiFede. Authorities said the driver did not stop and fled the scene. They are also looking for a vehicle that may have sustained front-end damage.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a crime in New York. If you have been involved in an auto accident, the law requires you to stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. If someone has been seriously injured in the accident, you are required to stop and help, if you are able to do so safely. The law requires every motorist involved in an auto accident in NY to stop at the scene of the accident – whether or not the accident was their fault. If the accident was not their fault and they left the scene of the accident, they could still face criminal hit-and-run charges.

Each day in the United State and in New York, innocent pedestrians are injured because of negligent motor vehicle drivers. Pedestrian accidents can result in devastating injuries such as brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, lifelong disabilities or even death. Injured victims and their families are faced with mounting medical bills and loss of wages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York pedestrian accident, please call a top New York auto accident attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. for a free consultation. Please do not sign anything, agree to a settlement or discuss your case with anyone before you have contacted a knowledgeable and experienced Suffolk County personal injury attorney.

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents

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A suspected drunken driver injured a group of people when his speeding vehicle jumped a curb near the street intersection of Steinway Street and Northern Boulevard. According to a news report in the Daily News, 24-year-old Renis Kuci was driving a BMW near the El Noa Noa discotheque in Astoria when he hit the curb.

The Queens car accident happened when the BMW went out-of-control running down a group of people who had just stepped out of the discotheque, crashing into a FDNY call box and coming to a stop against a concrete wall. Police arrested Kuci, a Woodhaven resident, on charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, refusing to take a Breathalyzer test and reckless driving. Kuci hit a total of six people in the New York auto accident. Their injuries have been described as not life-threatening and ranging from gashes, bruises and broken bones, she said.

Continue reading "Queens Auto Accident Caused By Suspected DUI Driver" »

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A woman, who died in a recent automobile accident on the New Jersey Turnpike when the sport utility vehicle she was in got struck by a big rig, has been identified as 68-year-old Ruby Riggins. According to this report, Riggins, a Brooklyn resident, was a passenger in the SUV that was being driven by Mellie Riggins, 68, also of Brooklyn.

The tractor-trailer accident happened near the Exit 5 interchange when the truck that was trying to make a right turn and drive across the lanes of the highway to get to the exit ramp crashed into the SUV. Mellie Riggins had stopped the SUV on the left shoulder when the tractor-trailer driver, Christian Campagna, 28, of Sicklerville, slammed right into the vehicle, officials said. The impact overturned the truck spilling its load onto the highway causing the southbound side of the turnpike to be closed. Ruby Riggins died at the scene of the auto accident while Campagna and Mellie Riggins suffered injuries.

Continue reading "New Jersey Big Rig versus Auto Accident Kills New York Resident" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Personal Injury , Truck Accidents , Wrongful Death

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A 44-year-old man suffered serious injuries after he was pinned under a tractor-trailer that became disabled on the Long Island railroad tracks. The man was then struck by a locomotive at the Long Island City grade crossing, according to this report in New York Newsday. Officials said the Long Island train accident occurred as the man tried to help free a tractor-trailer that had become stuck on the railroad grade crossing as a train approached. The man was trying to lift the safety gate but the locomotive crashed into the truck pushing it more than 30 feet along the tracks. The injured victim was transported to the hospital.

In most serious injury cases, be it an auto accident in New York or a train accident in Long Island, it costs the injured victim and his or her family a lot of money to pay for medical costs and related expenses. Many victims also take a heavy loss because of lost income. It could take these victims weeks or months to completely recover from their injuries and return to a normal life. If an accident was not your fault or was caused by someone else’s negligence, it is in your best interest to retain the services of an experienced Long Island personal injury attorney who will help protect your rights and secure fair compensation for the injuries, damages and loss suffered.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto accident or train accident, please contact a knowledgeable and skilled New York auto accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP for a free consultation and case evaluation. Call us today to get more information about your legal rights and options.

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A two-vehicle accident near Westampton has killed 61-year-old Johnnie Dixon, a Willingboro resident and proved to be the third motor vehicle related fatality crash of 2009 to occur in Burlington County. According to a recent news report in the Burlington County Times, the Burlington tractor-trailer accident happened on Woodlane Road in icy conditions when the area was under heavy fog.

Dixon was driving his Toyota Avalon on Woodlane Road when a tractor-trailer that was driven by Phillip Hoang, a Westminster, Calif. resident, made a turn on to Woodlane Road from Stemmers Lane. The Toyota went into the trailer section of the truck and became partially lodged under it, the report said. Dixon died at the scene of the NY car versus big rig collision. The truck is said to be owned by California-based trucking company TSJ Transportation.

Based on this news report, the New York auto accident is still being investigated and no charges have been filed yet. However, officials say limited visibility and road conditions may have caused the crash. It is estimated that big rigs and trucks cause one accident every 16 minutes in the United States. Of course, the size and weight of these tractor trailers have a devastating effect on smaller passenger vehicles leaving occupants with serious internal injuries that include internal bleeding, head trauma and broken bones.

At Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, our experienced New York personal injury attorneys will delve into your case to determine if there was negligence involved and who or what could be held responsible for your automobile accident and injuries. As the injured party, you deserve to be compensated for your medical expenses, loss of wages and suffering.

Call our New York car collision attorneys to discuss your case today.

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The man who was hit and killed in a NY car versus pedestrian accident near Park Avenue recently has been identified as 31-year-old Jason Partridge. According to a news report from Newsday.Com, Partridge, a Brentwood resident, was struck by a 2004 Honda as he was crossing Suffolk Avenue.

Apparently, the driver of the Honda, Gloria Layedra-Aguas, 19, was headed east on Suffolk Avenue and was in the left lane when she hit Partridge, who was crossing the street from the north to the south, the article said. Partridge died at the scene while Layedra-Aguas, who had suffered injuries to her hand, was taken to an area hospital for treatment. Her car has been impounded for a safety check and the pedestrian accident in Suffolk County is under investigation.

Continue reading "Suffolk County Auto Accident Kills Pedestrian" »

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Posted In: Automobile Accidents , Pedestrain Accidents , Personal Injury , Wrongful Death

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Authorities in Staten Island have arrested a 24-year-old man who they say sped through a red light and slammed into a livery cab killing 50-year-old Mohamed Elnahal and his wife, 52-year-old Mervat Saad Ibrahim. According to this news report, Theodore Ricks is facing a number of charges including manslaughter in the second degree, unlicensed operation of a vehicle, leaving the scene of the accident and possession of marijuana. The car accident in Staten Island left one passenger in critical condition.

This is no doubt a tragic accident. This fatal crash has orphaned the couple’s teenage twin boys. In auto accidents where recklessness, negligence or wrongdoing is involved, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

Continue reading "Staten Island Auto Accident Kills Couple " »

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A woman was seriously injured on Broadway after she was struck by a car, which then crashed into a barrier and rolled over on Broadway at 120th Street. According to this news report, the vehicle was traveling south on Broadway when it hit the woman, slammed into the median and overturned, eventually coming to rest in the middle of the roadway. The female pedestrian was transported to an area hospital, the news report stated. The pedestrian accident in New York is under investigation.

Auto accidents could occur because of many reasons. In many cases, pedestrians or other motorists are injured or killed be