New York Injury Talk Blog

Over 300,000 car accidents occur in New York each year, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Over half of these accidents, luckily, don’t result in injuries or deaths. Those accidents that do cause injury or death, however, can result from a wide range of causes, which can be broken down into three categories: human error, vehicle malfunction, and environment.

Accidents caused by human error include distracted driving accidents, speeding-related accidents, drunk driving crashes, and other situations in which the driver’s accidental or deliberate behavior results in a crash. Some drivers cause accidents via negligence, while others cause accidents through events beyond their control, like a sudden medical emergency.

Vehicle-malfunction accidents in New York include situations in which a defective or broken vehicle part or system leads to an accident. Failing brakes are the most common cause of these types of accidents, followed by a tire failure such as a sudden flat. A vehicle malfunction may be simply due to wear and tear, or it may be caused by a defective part or a bungled repair.

Finally, environmental causes also result in crashes. Animals that leap into the road, snow and ice, and dangerous roadway conditions all cause accidents that can be categorized as “environmental.” Like other accidents, negligence may or may not play a role in an environment-related accident.

Any car accident can have one or more causes, many of which may stem from the negligent actions of another person or company. If you’ve been injured in a car accident, figuring out what happened may seem overwhelming, especially as you try to recover from your injuries. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our skilled New York car accident attorneys can unravel the details and hold any negligent parties accountable, so that you can focus on getting well. For a free case evaluation, call us today at (212) 222-4336.

An auto accident on the Bronx River Parkway sent a minivan crashing down a ravine onto the grounds of the Bronx Zoo, resulting in the deaths of seven family members riding in the van at the time. Investigators have not yet determined what caused the New York fatal car accident, which occurred when the minivan lost control, skidded across several lanes of traffic, and rolled off the roadway and down the side of the ravine.

The stretch of road on which the accident occurred has long been listed in the top five percent most dangerous stretches of roadway in the state. The annual “Five Percent Report,” which identifies the stretch of the Bronx River Parkway on which the accident occurred, also lists plans to improve safety on that area of road, which spans the area from the Bronx Zoo to the intersection of the Cross Bronx Expressway. These plans include $8 million in repairs to improve visibility on the southbound side of the parkway. Three bridges in the area are also scheduled for repairs beginning in 2016.

Roadways that lack barriers, visibility, signals, or other necessary guides to safe driving can pose a serious danger to motorists. If you’ve been injured on a stretch of defective or badly designed roadway, please don’t hesitate to call a knowledgeable Bronx auto accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin. We can help you get the compensation you need, giving you the time and rest needed to get well. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential consultation.

Sixty percent of all drivers involved in all car accidents throughout the United States each year are men, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). But two-thirds of all drivers involved in “runaway” accidents where the driver hits the gas instead of the brakes are women - and most are over age 75 or under age 20, according to the NHTSA.

Runaway accidents are also most likely to happen in parking lots, where speeds may be lower, but risks of injury or death are still high. Several related fatal New York car accidents in recent months, including an Amherst crash where a woman drove her car through the front wall of a restaurant, causing the deaths of two people. In California in 2003, an 86-year-old man accidentally plowed into an open-air market when he stepped on the wrong pedal and then panicked, killing ten people and injuring 63 more.

Many accidents occur due to driver distraction or a simple mix-up as to which pedal is which. Researchers say one reason young and elderly drivers are especially at risk for these types of accidents is because young and old brains lack executive functions needed to drive safely. The increase in women drivers may simply be because women outlive men, making them more common in elderly populations.

Runaway car accidents aren’t always caused by poor driving. A defective vehicle part or botched repair may also cause a gas pedal to stick. At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our skilled Manhattan car accident attorneys can help you investigate your accident case and get the compensation you need from any negligent parties involved. Call us today at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential case evaluation.

Black ice and other slippery weather conditions have created injury-causing crashes on several roads in Syracuse, Rochester, and other cities and towns in upstate New York over the past weekend, according to a recent article in The Wisconsin Rapids Tribune. The sudden change in weather has surprised many drivers, who had relied on the unseasonably warm temperatures to conclude that winter weather driving risks had passed.

One fatal NY car accident outside Rochester took the life of a 75-year-old woman. The woman was driving her car when it slid on black ice on the road, left its lane, and hit another car traveling in the opposite direction. Rescue workers rushed her to a nearby hospital, but her injuries proved fatal before she arrived.

Many parts of the U.S. have had unseasonably warm spring weather, with sunshine and temperatures that seem more like summer than the average March or April. For many of these days, upstate New York has been no exception. Over the past weekend, however, temperatures have dropped, creating winter-like driving risks when people are simply not expecting them. Safe driving in winter often requires lower speeds and more attention to shaded or unplowed areas on the road, and when drivers aren’t paying proper attention, serious injuries can result.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our knowledgeable New York car accident injury attorneys work hard to provide excellent representation in every case we handle. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a car crash, call us today at (212) 222-4336 to learn more about your legal options. The call is free and completely confidential.

Hybrid cars offer an up to 25 percent lower risk of death or serious injury in a crash compared to their conventional counterparts, according to a recent study performed by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), a division of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The study compared insurance claims filed after accidents in both hybrid vehicles from 2003 to 2010 and similar conventional models from 2002 to 2010. By comparing similar accidents and the insurance claims filed after them, researchers concluded that hybrid vehicles are more likely to protect occupants in an accident than conventional vehicles are, reducing their risks of serious injury.

The finding is not surprising, according to researchers. Those who study car safety have long known that heavier vehicles tend to fare better in accidents, because they are harder to crush or push off the road or into another vehicle. Hybrids are generally heavier than similar conventional cars; this offers more protection in a crash even if the cars and the crash type are otherwise similar. However, the IIHS still encourages drivers and passengers to wear seat belts at all times and to make sure children are properly secured in child seats or booster seats appropriate for the child’s height and weight.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our experienced Manhattan car accident injury attorneys are dedicated to fighting on behalf of those who are injured or lose family members in car accidents caused by someone else’s negligence. To learn more about how we can help after a crash, call us at (212) 222-4336 for a free and confidential consultation.

As every New Yorker knows, winter driving presents a whole list of challenges that don't occur during the summer. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and other inclement weather can turn an ordinary commute into a skating rink – only without the fun. To help protect you and your loved ones while you're traveling this holiday season, consider the following safe winter driving tips.

Give your vehicle a safety once-over. Have your vehicle tuned up, including fixing any needed alignment, tire rotation, or new tires. A car that's in top shape will respond best in a sudden emergency.

Clean your car thoroughly. When you're in a hurry and it's cold outside, it's tempting just to clear enough snow and ice from your car so you can see.

But that snow and ice you leave on the car can prevent other drivers from seeing you. Make sure all your lights are visible, and clear extra snow from the top of your vehicle so that it doesn't fly into the windshields of other drivers.

Buckle up. Seat belts are an easy way to reduce your risk of death or serious injury in an accident. Always buckle up and require your passengers to do the same.

Slow down. Driving more slowly in winter weather gives you more time to stop, swerve, or respond to other emergency situations – without becoming an emergency yourself. Give yourself more time to start, stop, change lanes, and make turns.

Car accidents can cause serious injuries. If you or someone you love is injured in a crash this winter, please don't hesitate to call the knowledgeable New York City car accident injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. For a free and confidential case evaluation, call our office today at (212) 222-4336.

A 62-year-old man has passed away from the injuries he suffered during a hit-and-run on Sunday, October 30 in Albany, after the driver of an SUV fled from police and crashed into his car in an intersection, according to The Times-Union. The collision fractured the skull of the victim, which led to his death on November 1.

The incident began when the SUV driver had his license plates identified with those of a stolen vehicle. Police pursued the vehicle and ordered him to pull over, but he refused and began to speed and drive erratically. The vehicles proceeded into a residential area, but police abandoned the chase when they determined that the speeds being driven were unsafe for the area. Despite officers stopping, the SUV driver continued to speed until he crashed into the victim’s car in an intersection after running a red light.

Reportedly, the SUV driver fled the scene on foot and was eventually caught by police. The New York hit-and-run accident victim was driving with his 18-year-old son at the time of the crash, but the son was not injured. The SUV driver now faces multiple charges in relation to the stolen vehicle, the chase, and the crash.

When a person is injured or killed by the reckless or negligent driving of another, victims and their families have the right to hold the negligent party responsible for his or her actions. The serious injuries or death that occur as a result can lead to incredibly high medical costs, the loss of employment, and the pain and suffering that comes from injuries or the loss of a loved one. To get on with life and move past the trauma of a car accident, compensation must be sought from those responsible.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a NY car crash, contact the New York auto accident attorneys with Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro at (212) 986-7353 for a free and confidential consultation on your injury accident.

In another step in the nationwide fight against distracted driving, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) proposed banning the operation of cell phones by commercial vehicle drivers, with the exception of emergency situations. The current law only outlaws texting, with fines as much as $2,750 for violations.

The heightened initiative stems from a horrific accident involving an 18 wheeler in Kentucky that killed 11 individuals in March of 2010. The wreck was allegedly caused by distraction and cell phone use; examiners concluded that the driver made 69 texts and calls in the 24 hour window before the accident, with four calls made in the minutes before the accident.

In addition to the Kentucky accident, there have been many other tragedies due to alleged distracted vehicle operation. A couple of the headlines included a boat wreck involving a barge that crashed into a tour ship in Philadelphia that killed two people and drowned the ship, as well as a highly publicized rail accident in Southern California that resulted in 25 fatalities.

Surprisingly, no state outlaws cellular phone use in its entirety. Thirty-four states and Washington D.C. forbid text messaging for every driver, while nine states and D.C. prohibit holding any electronic device while operating a vehicle. New York is now one of those states thanks to recent updated legislation. Just last month, during the first week of August, police officers in the Suffolk region handed out 1,109 tickets associated with handheld device usage for driving distracted. Contact the New York car accident attorneys with Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP for a complimentary consultation at 212-986-7353 if you or a loved one has been injured by a distracted driver.

A serious auto accident in Louisiana last week resulted in the hospitalization of a 22-year-old New York Giants running back, according to Fox Sports. The details of the injury accident are still under investigation; however, it is known that the Giant was a passenger in the car at the time of the incident and was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with injuries to both of his knees. He has since been moved out of the ICU, but remains in the hospital.

The Giants’ agent remains positive about his recovery and emphasizes that his injuries were not life-threatening or career threatening. The man tweeted similar sentiments, as well as thanking his friends, family, and fans for their support.

This incident marks the second serious car crash involving a former Louisiana State University Tiger and the Giants. The first occurred last summer with a Giants safety. He was involved in a single-vehicle crash in New Orleans that almost resulted in the amputation of one of his legs. The safety is currently in rehabilitation and hopes to return next year.

New York auto accidents, whether they involve just one vehicle or multiple vehicles, can be devastating to both the victim and their family. Although it is possible to survive a car accident with only a few bumps and bruises, most injuries are more severe and often require intensive medical treatment and extensive rehabilitation. This can create undue financial hardships for the victim. If an injury car crash was caused by the negligence of another driver, however, a victim may be able to pursue compensation for their losses.

At Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, we help injured auto accident victims in New York hold negligent parties accountable for medical costs, pain and suffering, time lost from work, as well as other damages. Our experienced car accident lawyers will answer all of your questions and determine whether or not your personal injury claim merits legal action. Contact us today at 1-212-222-4336 for a free consultation.

A bill, sponsored by Senator Carl L. Marcellino and co-sponsored by numerous others, that proposes to strengthen laws regarding cell phone use while driving was introduced to the New York legislature in January of this year. As of April 12, the bill was amended on its third reading, and today, the Senate is expected to act. According to ObserverToday.com, if the bill becomes law, it will allow law enforcement to more easily cite texting while driving violations, as well as help prevent serious New York traffic accidents.

The bill, S00998B, would make texting while driving a more severe violation in New York than it currently is. Texting while driving would be considered a primary violation as opposed to a secondary violation, as it stands now. This means that a driver may be cited for texting while driving in and of itself, without the citation of any other traffic violation. Currently, a New York driver may only be cited for texting if they were first cited for another violation. The basic premise of the bill is as follows:

“…no person shall operate a motor vehicle upon a public highway while…talking into, listening to, dialing, activating, deactivating or initiating any function of a hand-held mobile phone while the vehicle is in motion.”

Distracted driving, especially as a result of cell phone use, is considered to be negligence and is one of the primary causes of New York injury auto accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 20 percent of nationwide injury accidents in 2009 were caused by distracted driving. Cell phone use accounted for 18 percent of accident fatalities in the same year. Distracted drivers endanger other motorists and increase the risk of causing serious injury to themselves as well as others.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in New York that was caused by a distracted driver or other negligent party, the Manhattan car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro can help you recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. To learn more, contact us today for a free consultation at 1-212-222-4336.

A recent car crash in Queens made news as it was the second auto accident to occur at same spot in two weeks. According to The New York Times, both early morning accidents involved a Volkswagen crashing into a Long Island city storefront after losing control while navigating a sharp Queensboro Bridge off-ramp turn-off. Both drivers lost an arm in the crash, and their female passengers sustained serious head trauma and a broken ankle, respectively. They are not completely identical however, as the previous accident also took the life of a pedestrian who was walking along the sidewalk.

These very similar car accidents have raised concerns about a sharp merging point at the end of the bridge off-ramp, which opens into a high traffic intersection recently redesigned by the city. This redesign created sharper traffic angles which are more difficult to navigate, especially at high speeds. Both Volkswagens, seemingly travelling at high speeds, lost control of their cars and crashed into a guardrail before reaching the intersection and the Long Island City storefront.

It is imperative that motorists pay attention to any and all changes that affect the flow of traffic and drive accordingly. Causing an accident because a driver is used to driving faster in a redesigned area is negligence on the part of the driver, not necessarily the city. A negligent driver who causes an accident may be held liable for any injuries or deaths resulting from said accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash caused by the negligent or reckless actions of a driver, the experienced New York City traffic accident injury attorneys of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro can advise you on your legal rights and the best course of action for your particular case. Call today at 1-212-222-4336 for a free consultation.

The New York Fire Department (FDNY) began the Modified Response pilot program in Queens in October of 2010 in an effort to decrease traffic accidents and increase safety for civilians and firefighters and other emergency personnel. According to Westport-News.com, fire truck-related Queens traffic accidents decreased by 32 percent as a result of this program. This favorable news prompted the New York Fire Commissioner to announce the expansion of the Modified Response program to include Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The Modified Response program limits the number of fire vehicle responses using lights and sirens for fire and life-threatening emergencies. Non-fire and non-life threatening emergencies are to abide by all traffic laws, drive at a reduced speed, and never use lights and sirens. If additional information or a change in the emergency situation requires it, a fire officer may instruct vehicles to respond speedily, with lights and sirens.

Emergency vehicle-related New York auto accidents are dangerous, not only for pedestrians, motorists, and emergency personnel, but for the people who called for emergency services in the first place. Injuries and fatalities can result from negligent drivers who do not pay attention to current road conditions or obey right-of-way laws. Victims of such injuries can contact a New York auto accident injury lawyer to understand their legal options.

The experienced New York car crash attorneys of Wingate, Russotti, & Shapiro, LLP, are dedicated to working with car crash victims and their families to ensure maximum compensation for their injuries. Call today for a free consultation at 1-212-222-4336.

A state trooper was killed in a Saturday morning car crash on I-290 in Tonawanda, according to Tonawandas.WGRZ.com. The New York state trooper was conducting a vehicle and traffic stop on the interstate just east of the Colvin Boulevard on-ramp when a pickup truck, having just merged onto the highway from the ramp, hit the trooper. The pick-up truck stopped and immediately returned to the scene after striking the state trooper, who was taken to Kenmore Mercy hospital; he was pronounced dead just after 8:00 a.m., about one hour after the accident. The eastbound lanes of I-290 were closed, causing major traffic delays throughout the day.

New York state police and family are mourning the loss of the 14-year veteran, who was originally from Buffalo. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the I-290 fatal auto accident; nothing has been ruled out. All factors must be taken into account when attempting to establish the reason for the pickup’s failure to move left, having entered the highway. State police are withholding the name of the driver, who is cooperating fully. Any potential witnesses of the crash have been asked to contact the state police.

A New York auto accident can be a very traumatic experience for the victim and their family. Much emotional pain and suffering follows both fatal and non-fatal car crashes. When serious injury is involved, the burden of extensive, and expensive, medical treatment and rehabilitation also weighs heavily on the victim and their family. If you or a loved one have been injured because of another driver, that driver can be held liable for any financial or emotional suffering you’ve experienced due to their negligence. A skillful New York car crash attorney can provide you with the legal counsel that is your right.

The knowledgeable New York auto accident injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP, have years of experience working with both victims and families that have been through minor, major, and fatal car accidents, to recover financial and emotional losses and damages from those responsible for the accident. For a free consultation, please call 1-212-222-4336.

Using a seat belt when operating a motor vehicle is one of the most important precautions you can take in ensuring your safety in the event of a car accident in New York. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that an estimated 75,000 lives were saved because of seat belt use between 2004 and 2008. The safety restraints help keep a vehicle occupant in the car if they are involved in a crash and prevent them from being ejected, which almost always ends in a fatality.

Forty nine states and the District of Columbia have laws that require seat belt use. Statistics show that nearly 13,000 lives are saved every year because motorists buckle up before driving.

It is important for all vehicle occupants, not just drivers, to wear their seat belts properly. If you purchase a new car, be sure to test the seat belt to ensure that it is a proper fit for you. If you need an adjustment, ask the dealer or manufacturer about seat belt extenders or other adjustments. If you drive an older model vehicle that is only equipped with lap belts, contact the auto maker about retrofitting your vehicle with the proper shoulder restraints so that you are as protected as possible.

Parents of children who may be riding in the vehicle should follow all instructions on car seats and booster seats and make sure the seat belt is adjusted for the child’s smaller size. Doing so may save a life.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash in New York, you would be well-advised to consult with an experienced New York car crash attorney like those at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP. If your injury was caused by another person’s negligence, we can help you understand your rights and garner you the compensation you deserve. Call 212-986-7353 for a free and confidential consultation.

The teen driver involved in a car accident in Staten Island that took the lives of two friends and seriously injured three others was charged on Thursday, February 24, according to CBS News. The driver was charged with six counts, including vehicular homicide and was released into the custody of his parents on $100,000 bail.

The fatal Staten Island car crash occurred last August when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The district attorney states the driver’s blood alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit and that the vehicle was traveling at speeds of up to 90 miles per hour. Of the three individuals injured in the crash, one is now confined to a wheelchair while another has steel rods in his leg.

Drunk driving can have horrific results, as is confirmed by the above story. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 33, 808 fatalities reported in 2009 due to car accidents in the U.S. Of those fatalities, about 32 percent involved motorists with a blood alcohol level above .08 percent.

In this case, if it is determined the young driver acted negligent, the families of the deceased and injured individuals could hold the young driver legally responsible for all damages incurred as a result of the crash.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve to know your rights. The dedicated Staten Island car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP can help you understand your options under the law and begin the healing process. With a vast network of legal resources, our lawyers will meticulously examine the details of your case and build a strong case in order to garner you the compensation you deserve. While no amount of money can reverse the clock, it can help with the cost of funeral expenses, medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, loss of income, and other related losses. Contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 to learn more about how we can help. We offer free consultations.

Starting February 16, if a motorist is caught texting or talking on their cell phone while driving in New York, it will result in a 2-point penalty on their driver’s license and a fine, according to WICZ. Offenders could face a fine of up to $100 for talking on their cell phones and $150 for texting. Additionally, if an individual is using their cell phone while driving and they cause an accident, it could lead result in a permanent mark on their record.

Distracted driving accidents in New York occur more often than some people might think. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2009, 5,474 people were killed due to distracted drivers with 995 of those accidents involving the use of a cell phone, which is about 18 percent of fatalities in distraction-related accidents. Another 448,000 people were injured in distracted driving crashes, with about 24,000 injured in an accident caused by cell phone use.

Texting or talking on a cell phone takes a motorist’s focus away from the road and could make the risk of a New York car accident that much higher. It is the responsibility of all drivers to take proper precautions to ensure the safety of themselves and others; however, when a text or a phone call becomes more important than paying attention to the road, and an innocent person is injured or killed as result of another driver’s distraction, the negligent driver could be held legally responsible for the accident and related losses.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a car crash that was caused by a distracted driver, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced New York auto accident attorney like those at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP. We have the skill needed to successfully handle a wide variety of car crash injury cases and can uphold your legal rights in a court of law. Our attorneys can hold the negligent parties accountable for your accident and garner you the compensation you deserve. Damages may include coverage for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income, rehabilitation, vocational training, and more. Contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP today at 1-212-986-7353 to schedule a free consultation.

The Fire Department of New York is considering plans to charge motorists who need the fire department’s help after a car accident, according to an article published by news outlet NY1. The plan to bill drivers for accident services goes into effect on July 1.

The FDNY says the plan will raise $1 million a year in much-needed revenue. The Fire Commissioner explained that at-fault motorists ought to foot part of the bill for fire services in car accidents because they are “taxing [fire department] resources,” which may take those resources away from other New Yorkers who need help.

The projected costs for charging motorists for car accidents include $490 for a car fire or incident-causing injuries, $415 for a car fire without injuries, and $365 for any other vehicle-related incident without injuries. While the FDNY plans to bill every motorist involved in a car collision in New York, it says that the bills can be passed to the driver who was actually at fault for the crash.

The FDNY will hold a public hearing about the proposed charges in February. Public support for the plan is already low, according to the article. In addition, many motorists will pay accident fees out of pocket, since many New York car insurance policies have a $500 or larger deductible.

After a car accident, the party at fault can be held accountable under New York law for the costs of emergency services, as well as for medical bills and other expenses. If you have suffered an injury as a result of a car crash in New York, contact the New York car accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. We will help you fight for the compensation you are entitled to. Call 212-986-7353 today to schedule a free consultation.

Winter’s snow and ice can make New York’s roads treacherous, particularly if you’re not prepared for inclement weather. To help drivers stay safe on roads this winter, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) suggests the following tips for safe winter driving:

• Make sure your car is ready for winter driving. Check your antifreeze and fill your windshield wiper fluid reservoir with non-freezing fluid. Also, check your battery and the condition of your tires, and have them changed if necessary.
• Carry a winter driving kit. Your kit should include a flashlight, sand or kitty litter, a shovel, a snow brush and ice scraper, flares or other warning devices, and blankets. Also, remember your cell phone whenever you drive, in case you need to call for help.
• Know ahead of time what your car will do on slippery roads. You may want to practice driving slowly on an icy parking lot or another open space until you get a feel for how your vehicle reacts to certain conditions.
• Plan your route. Before you leave, check the weather, bring a map or a copy of the directions, and always let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to get there.
• Drive slowly. Leave plenty of space between your car and the one ahead of you, as well as plenty of room for braking and accelerating.

The hazards of winter road conditions can surprise even experienced drivers. While driving carefully can help protect you and your passengers from getting involved in a car accident, not all drivers practice the same winter driving precautions. If you have been in a car crash in New York, please don’t hesitate to call the experienced New York City car accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro to discuss your legal rights and options. For a free and confidential consultation, call 212-986-7353 today.

A fatal accident at an intersection in Grasmere on Long Island has prompted the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to improve the traffic signals there, according to a recent report from online news outlet NY1.

The intersection of Highland Boulevard and Steuben Street is receiving new traffic lights which will stop drivers from making a left turn unless the signal shows a green arrow. The DOT decided to make the change after a passenger died in car collision at the intersection in which a driver on Highland Boulevard crashed into a driver attempting to make a left turn onto Steuben Street.

In addition, parking on Highland Boulevard will be eliminated to make the street safer for both drivers and pedestrians and prevent Long Island car crashes from occurring. Next spring, the DOT plans to install concrete dividers on Highland Boulevard to slow the speed of traffic and help prevent vehicles from drifting into oncoming traffic.

Traffic lights, signs and other methods for controlling traffic can help reduce the rate of car crashes. Unfortunately, distracted or reckless drivers may either miss the signals or may ignore them altogether. If you have been struck by one of these drivers, you may be able to recover the cost of your injuries from the negligent motorist who caused the car accident.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced Long Island car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. We will examine your case carefully and fight to win you the compensation you deserve. Call 212-986-7353 today for a free case evaluation.

Two people were injured in a New York car accident, which police believe involved a drunk driver. According to a CBS News report, the car crash occurred in the eastbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway at exit 36. A 27-year-old man was travelling east on the highway when a westbound car driving the wrong way struck his vehicle. Both drivers sustained injuries and required medical treatment. A Westbury woman, who was driving the wrong way on the highway, is facing drunk driving charges.

Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol continues to be a serious problem in New York. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, 361 people were killed and 6,810 people were injured in DUI collisions in New York in 2009.

Injured victims of car collisions caused by drunk drivers may pursue compensation for their losses by filing a New York personal injury claim. Compensation may be available for all financial losses, including hospital expenses and time away from work. Victims can also seek compensation for non-economic damages, such as physical pain and emotional distress. All victims of New York DUI crashes would be well-advised to seek the advice of a knowledgeable lawyer.

The Long Island personal injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP understand the financial and emotional burdens that injured victims and their families endure. We help victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers pursue fair and full compensation for their losses. Call us today at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help.

New York parents and guardians now have an opportunity to track the driving record of their teenager thanks to a new program created by New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles. According to a news report in The Troy Record, a new free service called TEENS allows parents to monitor the driving record of their children. Parents and guardians can apply for TEENS at any county DMV office. New Yorkers enrolled in TEENS will be notified if their child has received a traffic ticket or a license suspension or if they have been involved in a New York car accident. The DMV created this program to help inform parents of incidents that their children may have kept secret from them.

An informed and active parent can play an important role in preventing dangerous and reckless driving on the part of their teen children. Car accidents are the number one cause of death among drivers aged 16 to 24. Despite only making up 12 percent of all drivers, teen drivers are involved in 20 percent of all car accidents. It is crucial that parents monitor the behavior of their children and that they instill in them the importance of safe driving habits.

Victims of inexperienced drivers would be well-advised to contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney who will ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. Compensation may be available to injured victims for financial losses such as medical expenses and time away from work. Compensation may also be available for non-financial losses such physical pain and mental anguish.

If you are the victim of a car accident caused by a negligent driver, please contact the experienced New York personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free and comprehensive consultation. Call us at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help you obtain fair and full compensation for all your injuries, damages and losses.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recently conducted a study which found that one in six fatal car accidents in the country involved a drowsy driver. According to a CBS News report, male drivers between the ages of 16 and 24 most often drive while drowsy or fatigued. In the AAA study, 41 percent of the 2,000 people surveyed admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel. AAA advices motorists to consider resting instead of drinking caffeine to stay awake, which they say often leads to fatigue. Drivers who get behind the wheel while drowsy put everyone on the road at risk.

Drowsy driving is a serious problem in New York. Rumble strips may alert a driver if they have drifted out of their lane, but that isn’t enough to prevent all fatigued driving car accidents. Remember, drowsy driving can and will be viewed as negligence in a civil case. Although a driver who causes a New York car accident due to fatigue may not face criminal charges, they may be held civilly liable for the injuries and damages caused. Injured victims can seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, hospital bills and other related damages. Additionally, the family of someone who is killed in an accident caused by a drowsy driver may pursue financial compensation for their losses by filing a New York wrongful death claim.

The New York car crash lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have protected the rights of seriously injured New York car accident victims for decades. If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York car crash, please call our law offices at 212-986-7353 immediately for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Two police officers were injured in a Brooklyn car accident when their SUV was broadsided, Tuesday, November 9. According to a news report in The New York Post, the collision occurred on Nostrand Avenue in Sheepshead Bay. The officer’s Ford SUV overturned when a silver Pontiac Bonneville struck it. The officers were treated for minor injuries after being extricated from their vehicle by local firefighters. The driver of the Pontiac was cited for failure to yield right-of-way to the police vehicle.

Failure to yield right-of-way is one of the most common causes of Brooklyn car crashes. A driver who fails to yield right-of-way to another vehicle at an intersection could face a citation. At the same time, they could also be held civilly liable for injuries and damages that occur as a result of the traffic violation. Injured victims in such cases can seek compensation for medical and hospital expenses, loss of present and future wages, physical therapy and other related costs. If the victim was on-the-job at the time of the New York car accident, they can also claim workers’ compensation benefits.

A skilled Brooklyn car accident attorney can help injured victims hold at-fault parties civilly responsible for the losses suffered. If you or a loved one has been injured in a Brooklyn car crash, please contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free and comprehensive consultation of your car accident case. Call us today at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help protect your rights.

Two drivers were injured in a Queens car accident that resulted in an SUV rolling over. According to a news report in The New York Post, the New York car accident took place on Jamaica Avenue in Queens when the SUV was making a U-turn and was struck by another vehicle. Both drivers were taken to the hospital with injuries and were listed in stable condition. Police are investigating if the second vehicle drove through a red light before colliding with the SUV.

Failure to properly yield right-of-way or failure to obey traffic control devices can lead to serious injuries and fatalities in a New York car crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), in 2009, there were 90 fatalities in Queens County car accidents. During that same year, 1,156 people were killed in car accidents in New York State.

In any New York car crash case, authorities will conduct an investigation to determine who was at fault for the accident. If there was a traffic violation, the at-fault party could be cited or arrested, depending on the seriousness of the injuries and the nature of the violation. Victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers may also hold the at-fault party civilly or financially responsible for the damages by filing a New York personal injury claim. Victims may pursue financial compensation for losses and damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages and hospitalization costs.

In such cases, it would be in the best interest of the injured victim to contact an experienced Queens car accident lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. Call us at 212-986-7353 today to get more information about your legal rights and options when pursuing a New York car crash case.

A 57-year-old Bronx woman was killed in a New York car crash that involved a vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic. According to The News Times, the fatal car accident occurred on Route 22 in southeast New York. The woman was killed when a 2009 Nissan crossed the centerline and struck the Honda in which she was a passenger. The driver of the Honda sustained serious leg injuries, a passenger in the Nissan suffered scalp and facial injuries and the driver of the Nissan sustained severe head and facial injuries. Police are investigating the New York car crash and as of yet, no charges have been filed.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, in 2009, there were 314,974 New York car accidents, which resulted in 1,148 fatalities and 186,034 injuries.

In cases where a New York car accident is caused by negligence or wrongdoing, families of deceased car accident victims can file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties. Typically, a wrongful death claim seeks compensation for medical bills, funeral expenses, loss of future income, loss of love and companionship and other related damages. While no amount of money can reimburse the tragic loss of a loved one, getting adequate compensation can help lessen the financial strain most families feel in the aftermath of suddenly losing a loved one.

The Bronx wrongful death attorneys of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro help families receive the compensation they need following a tragic New York car accident. There is a statute of limitations on all wrongful death claims, so it is important you act quickly. We offer free consultations at 212-986-7353 to anyone that has lost a loved one in a New York car crash. Call us today to find out how we can help.

Two people were injured in a New York car accident involving three vehicles. The Utica Observer-Dispatch reports the car crash occurred the afternoon of October 19 near the intersection of Beacon Light and Stoney Brook roads in Verona. Of the two people hospitalized following the crash, one person sustained serious injuries. The cause of the New York car collision is under investigation.

New York intersection car accidents are commonly caused by drivers failing to obey traffic signs and signals. Failure to stop at a stop sign can lead to catastrophic injuries. Under New York state law, all drivers must come to a complete stop at a stop sign and wait until it is reasonably safe to proceed. Drivers who fail to obey traffic signs and signals may be held liable for the damage they cause. In such cases, it is in the best interest of anyone injured in a New York car crash to seek medical attention and to call an experienced New York car crash attorney.

With the assistance of a skilled car accident lawyer, injured victims may pursue compensation for their losses by filing a personal injury claim. Compensation may be available for losses such as medical expenses, therapy fees, time away from work, lost future wages, physical pain and mental anguish.

The New York car crash attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro offer free consultations. We understand the many financial hardships that injured victims face. Our skilled New York car accident lawyers will remain on your side, fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need and rightfully deserve. Call us at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help.

Five adults and two children were injured in a Brooklyn car accident involving six vehicles, according to The New York Post. The New York car collision occurred the morning of October 21 at the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Grand Army Plaza in Park Slope. Police say a silver Ford Explorer was speeding when it struck two cars and then became wedged between two other vehicles. The damage was so extensive that firefighters had to cut the roof off a black Mercedes involved in the crash to extricate two of its passengers. Seven people were injured, but all are listed in stable condition.

Dangerous drivers put everyone on the road at risk. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 1,160 fatalities and 187,160 personal injuries sustained in New York car accidents in 2008. It only takes a moment of reckless or distracted driving to cause a serious New York car crash.

Injured victims of New York car accidents may suffer significant financial burdens such as time away from work and hospital expenses. Insurance companies are often reluctant to pay adequate settlements and at-fault drivers typically refuse to take responsibility for a New York car crash. In such cases, victims would be well-advised to contact a reputed New York personal injury attorney. A skilled attorney can help assess fault and liability following a crash while protecting the rights of the victim.

The reputed Brooklyn car accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have a long history of holding at-fault drivers civilly responsible for the damage they cause. We help victims and their families get the compensation they need. We always offer free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations. Please call us today at 212-986-7353 to discuss your New York car crash claim.

"Operation Hang Up" in New York City resulted in nearly 1,000 citations in a four-day period. New York police reported over 9,000 cell phone citations have been issued over the last year alone. According to a Straus News report, New York officers are cracking down on cell phone use because it is a distraction for drivers and a safety risk for all motorists on the road. Using a hand-held cell phone while driving in New York could result in a fine of up to $100 and texting or playing a computer game while driving may result in a fine up to $150.

Distracted and inattentive driving in New York is a serious problem that leads to numerous New York car accidents every year. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicle’s 2008 Statewide Statistical Summary, 448 accidents involved hand held cell phone use. Smart phones are a booming industry right now. So it is entirely possible that cell phone related car accidents in New York increased in 2009 despite the new law.

Victims of distracted drivers have it in the best interest to contact an experienced New York personal injury attorney. A skilled lawyer will know how to investigate cell phone records and police reports to prove that the distracted driver was responsible for the crash.

The reputed New York car accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro represent car accident victims who have been hurt by others' negligence. If a distracted driver has hurt you or a loved on in a New York car crash, please call 212-986-7353 today to discuss your legal rights and options.

If you have been involved in a New York auto accident, one of the first steps you should take is inform your auto insurance company about the accident and provide them with all the details about how and when the accident occurred. However, when you talk to an adjuster, it is very important to be aware that the insurance company is not your friend. Insurance companies are in business for profit and it is beneficial for them to not pay you. Even though you may have been paying your premiums on time, when it comes time for a payout by the insurance company, it is going to be challenging.

Here are five tips to help you deal with your insurance company in the aftermath of a car accident in New York:

1. If you have been seriously injured in a New York car accident due to someone else's negligence, talk to a personal injury lawyer before you talk to an insurance adjuster. An experienced injury lawyer may be able to help you prepare to have a conversation with the adjuster. Remember that the adjuster's job is to minimize the money their company pays out. What you say can be used against you.
2. Remain calm and collected when you talk to an adjuster. You are likely to be emotional and confused in the days following the New York auto accident. But it is important that you gather your thoughts and remain coherent when you talk to the adjuster. By all means, be polite. Don't answer questions that you are not comfortable answering.
3. Tell the truth and do not exaggerate or embellish.
4. Do not provide copies of medical records or any other paperwork even if you are asked. Talk to your lawyer first.
5. Insurance companies are notorious for rushing you into settling. It is in their best interest to settle a claim as quickly as possible – not yours. Some of your injuries may not even surface for days or weeks after the accident. If you rush to settle, you may not be completely compensated for all your damages.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York car crash, it would be in your best interest to seek the counsel of the experienced New York auto accident lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro at 212-986-7353. We always offer free consultations and case evaluations.

A 75-year-old man was killed when a van collided with an ambulance in Queens and crushed him on the sidewalk. According to The New York Daily News, the fatal New York motor vehicle accident occurred the morning of September 15 near the intersection of 76th Street and Woodside Avenue. Authorities believe the ambulance had its siren on and began to cross a red light at the intersection when a construction van crashed into the ambulance, then into the elderly man who was on the sidewalk. The man was fatally injured. The EMTs and their patient sustained minor injuries. It is not clear if either driver will be cited for the fatal New York vehicle collision.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 302 fatal pedestrian accidents that resulted in 304 fatalities in 2008.

The family of someone killed in a wrongful death New York auto accident may pursue compensation for their losses and hold the negligent driver civilly liable for damages with a wrongful death claim. Compensation may be sought for hospital bills, funeral costs and lost future income.

The experienced Queens wrongful death attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have a long history of protecting the rights of families who have lost a loved one in a New York car accident. We understand the complexity of wrongful death claims and the various forms of compensation that may be available to the family of victims. Please call us today for a comprehensive consultation at 212-986-7353.

Five people were injured in a car accident in New York City after an out-of-control yellow cab crashed into a Jeep and two bicyclists and then rammed into a coffee shop. According to a New York Post article, one of the victims was a 71-year-old man who was hospitalized with serious injuries. The two bicyclists who were hit are said to be in stable condition. Two others reportedly sustained relatively minor injuries. The accident occurred at the intersection of First Avenue and Third Street. Officials are investigating what caused the cab to lose control.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Summary of Motor Vehicle Accidents, 42 people were killed and 5,568 were injured as a result of bicycle accidents in 2008. During the same year, 304 were killed and 16,011 were injured in New York pedestrian accidents.

In such cases, injured victims may recover damages from the at-fault party for medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation and other related damages. The experienced New York auto accident lawyers of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP have helped thousands of New York City auto accident victims over the years obtain fair compensation and bring their lives back to normalcy. Call us today at 212-986-7353 to find out how we can help you.

A man was killed and six people were injured when a van made an illegal u-turn, causing a cab to try to avoid a collision with the other vehicle. The cab crashed into a Bronx bus stop, according to the Wall Street Journal online.

The accident destroyed the bus shelter and left people trapped under the taxi. A woman’s foot was severed from her leg and another man’s lung was punctured. An elderly man was pinned between the destroyed shelter and the bumper of the taxi. The man later died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital.

The taxi driver was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital. He was not charged with a crime and has a flawless driving record. A spokesman said the accident was not something he could have prevented. The driver of the van was given a citation for an illegal u-turn. Investigators are still looking into the accident.

This tragic accident began with an individual violating a traffic rule, and ended up with an elderly man dead and several other individuals seriously injured. Accidents like this occur all too often, as a result of another driver failing to obey traffic laws.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of another driver’s negligence, help is available. Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, time off work, pain and suffering, damage to his or her vehicle, and more. Contact the experienced New York auto accident attorneys of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. Our legal team can help answer all of your questions. Call today for a free consultation at 212-296-7353.

We put a lot of trust in our auto mechanics. Having a properly maintained vehicle is crucial to being safe on the road. The only thing more frustrating than an unexpected auto repair bill is a bad repair that leads to more problems. Hopefully you will never be in this situation. But if you do get in an auto accident as a result of a malfunction caused by a poorly repaired vehicle, then remember, that you do have legal rights.

There are times when the work your mechanic does makes things worse. Mistakes can happen and with any luck your mechanic will recognize the mistake right away. It is best to return to the same shop as soon as possible. Speak directly to the manager in charge and whoever serviced your car. It sometimes helps to go on a test drive with your mechanic to point out the exact problem. In most cases the repair shop will offer to fix the issue. If they don’t, you can always corroborate your accusation by getting a second opinion from another car repair shop and by utilizing small claims court.

There are laws that protect consumers against faulty repairs. In such cases, you would be well-advised to contact a New York auto accident attorney to help you recover compensation for injuries and losses. In some cases, an official demand letter from an attorney can be enough to recover damages from a repair shop. If that isn’t enough, a civil lawsuit may be necessary. In all car accident injury cases, the at-fault party can be held responsible for the damages. A reputable auto accident lawyer can examine the case from all possible angles to help prove that the repair work was what caused your accident. A majority of car repair shops have insurance to cover this kind of claim.

Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP represents victims of New York car accidents. If you believe that your recent auto repair caused your accident, please contact us at 212-296-7353 to discuss your legal rights and options.

New York City relies on its taxi drivers. There are tens of thousands of taxicabs, limousines and town cars serving the city alone. When you choose to ride in a taxi, you are assuming that the driver will be safe and attentive. If you are involved in a taxi accident in New York, you may be eligible for compensation for your losses.

With the help of a NY personal injury attorney you may recover losses for:

• Lost Wages – This includes time away from work because of the accident and your injuries.


• Medical Expenses – This includes all doctor's bills that are a direct result of the taxi crash.


• Suffering and Pain – This may depend on the extent of your injuries, the trauma of the event or if you lost a loved one in the incident.

If you are ever in a taxicab crash you should be sure to:

• Collect the driver’s name and contact number. Get the taxicab's registration number and the information for the taxi company.


• You should also collect information from the other driver or drivers involved.


• If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.

Continue reading "What to Do If You Are Injured In a New York Taxi Accident" »

Insurance companies are highly profitable corporations that need to reduce the amount of money they pay out in order to maintain their profits. When dealing with someone else’s insurance company or even your own, you have to be very careful about what you say. If you are injured in a New York auto accident, you may need to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the damages you have suffered. The insurance companies involved may either refuse to offer you a settlement or they may offer you an amount that doesn’t cover your expenses.

Insurance companies often offer settlements based on who is at fault for the crash. When an insurance company does not offer a fair settlement in your case, a lawsuit may be filed to recover rightful compensation. As a general rule, it is never a good idea to speak with an insurance adjuster about an accident without first speaking to a personal injury attorney in New York who will look out for your best interests. If you somehow admit fault for an accident, you may greatly reduce your chances of getting a fair settlement. If you accept a settlement prematurely, you will never again be able to file a claim with regard to that case.

Continue reading "Speaking with an Insurance Company after a New York Auto Accident" »

There are many factors that can lead to an injury auto crash. In addition to negligent and reckless driving, very often, accidents can be caused as a result of poorly maintained or badly designed roadways. When an accident occurs or injuries are caused by dangerous roadways, the liability for that accident falls on the governmental entity that is responsible for maintaining that roadway. Most states have statutes of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death claims filed against governmental agencies, which is why it is important to get an experienced New York personal injury attorney on your side as soon as possible.

Common examples of dangerous roadways include:

• excessive potholes;


• poorly designed intersections;


• poor visibility; and


• lack of proper signage, signals or crosswalks.

In such cases, the injured victims are required to prove that the dangerous condition existed on the public roadway, that their injuries were directly caused by that dangerous condition and that the governmental agency had adequate notice of the problem and could have fixed it at a reasonable time period and reasonable cost.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a New York auto or pedestrian accident involving a dangerous roadway condition, please contact the experienced NY auto accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP for a free, comprehensive and confidential consultation. Our skilled attorneys aggressively pursue the compensation their clients deserve. Call us at 212-986-7353 today to discuss your personal injury case.

Federal officials have announced programs in New York and Connecticut to hone-in on drivers texting and talking on cell phones. According to The Boston Globe, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood believes that these programs will send a message to the communities that they will see distracted driving laws enforced. The programs, to be piloted in Syracuse, New York, and Hartford, Connecticut, are based on other successful efforts to encourage seatbelt use and curb drunk driving.

In New York, texting and driving is a "secondary offense," meaning that you cannot be stopped just for committing that one violation. A texting while driving citation must be attached to another offense such as speeding or running a red light. Governor David Paterson has now introduced a bill that would make texting and driving a primary offense.

According to national statistics, distracted driving is responsible of 20 percent of auto accidents. There were 6,000 fatalities and 515,000 injuries in 2008 as a result of auto accidents in which distracted driving was a factor. According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, 1.6 million tickets were issued between December 2001 and December 2008 for handheld cell phone use while driving.

Continue reading "New Federal Program in New York Cracks Down on Distracted Driving" »

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

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

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

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

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

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

A teenager from Deerfield, NY was found at fault in a two-car crash. The teen made a left hand turn and hit another vehicle at the intersection of Crookedbrook and Trenton roads, according to a WKTV news report. The driver had minor injuries and two passengers in the other vehicle were treated at a local hospital.

The teen driver was cited for failing to yield right-of-way. With over 300,000 auto accidents in New York each year, it’s important to know the laws relating to these cases and your legal rights. Under New York law, a driver intending to take a left hand turn must yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Even if the two drivers pulled up to the intersection at the same time, since the teen driver was turning left, he was supposed to yield to the other driver.

Continue reading "Teen Cited in Deerfield Two-Car Crash" »

A 37-year-old man was killed in a New York auto accident after a 28-year-old man rear-ended his vehicle at high speed on a Queens highway. The driver, who officials said was under the influence, sped his black PT Cruiser past traffic on Grand Central Parkway in Hillcrest and plowed through four cars, according to a news report in the New York Daily News. The car that he struck - a 1996 Volvo - exploded and burst into flames. The victim was burned beyond recognition. Three people in the other cars that were hit were not injured. The allegedly impaired driver was charged with driving while intoxicated and vehicular manslaughter.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious criminal violation in the state of New York. It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher. If the act of driving while intoxicated fatally injures a person other than the drunk driver, he or she could be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Under New York law, a person is guilty of vehicular manslaughter in the second degree if he or she causes the death of another person while driving under the influence (Section 125.12). A person is guilty of vehicular manslaughter in the first degree if he or she has a BAC of 0.18 or higher, is driving under a suspended or revoked license, has a prior DUI conviction or causes the death of more than one person.

Continue reading "Fatal New York Auto Accident Caused by Drunk Driver" »

A 39-year-old pedestrian was killed in a New York car accident after she was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Broadway and 90th Street. According to a CBS News report, the woman was walking in a marked crosswalk when she was hit by a 2010 Ford. The vehicle sped away after striking the woman. The critically injured pedestrian was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police arrested a 25-year-old man who they said was the hit-and-run driver in the Ford.

Hit-and-run or leaving the scene of an accident is a serious crime in New York State. If you are a motorist involved in an accident, you are required under the law to stop, provide information and render aid to the injured victim, if it is possible to do so safely. Leaving a seriously injured victim can result in a felony charge for the hit-and-run driver. Motorists are also required to stop for a pedestrian who is walking legally in a marked crosswalk.

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

Since November, in New York State, there has been a secondary law in effect banning texting while driving. What this means is that police can only enforce this law when pulling you over for some other violation. A new law will now allow police officers to pull over drivers just for texting while driving. Currently, only New York State and Washington State have similar laws where texting while driving is a secondary offense.

This comes on the heels of various reports that show texting while driving is in fact negligent driving and can lead to serious personal injury or death. The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) reported that you increase your chances of being in an accident by 23 percent when you text. The number of fatalities from these crashes seems to be on the rise. It was only a few years ago that almost no one was texting and now 16 percent of all fatal accidents are caused by texting drivers.

Continue reading "Tougher Texting While Driving Laws Proposed in New York" »

A 32-year-old pedestrian was seriously injured in a New York hit-and-run car accident in Elmont. The woman was crossing Linden Boulevard at 239th Street when she was hit by a driver whose car did not stop, according to a news report in the Long Island Press. She was brought to a local hospital and is said to have sustained a brain hemorrhage, facial and spine fractures. Police are describing the car as an older green Toyota Camry. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers in Nassau County at 1-800-244-TIPS.

Driving away from the scene of an accident is against the law in New York State. If you are a motorist who has been involved in an accident, the law requires you to stop and exchange information with the other parties involved. Such information can include driver's license, auto insurance and other contact information. Pedestrian accidents can result in major injuries including brain injuries, back or neck injuries, broken bones or paralysis. Pedestrian accidents could even result in death.

Continue reading "Hit-and-Run Car Accident Injures Pedestrian" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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" »

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" »

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.

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.

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 " »

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 because of the other driver's negligence. Car crashes could be caused by driver error, an impaired motorist, a mechanical malfunction in the vehicle or even a defective auto product.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a New York auto accident, it is very important that you contact a top New York car accident lawyer to find out about your legal rights and options. If your injuries were caused by a negligent driver or a defective product, you may be entitled to significant compensation to cover medical costs, loss of wages and other damages.

A skilled New York personal injury lawyer will take a comprehensive look at all the different factors that may have caused your auto accident, analyze all angles and obtain the best possible result in your case. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident in New York, please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation and case evaluation.

Richard Cunningham, 20, was killed in a Sunday night Belle Terre automobile accident that also injured two others, according to an article from the Newsday website. Cunningham reportedly failed to negotiate a curve and crossed lanes hitting an oncoming 2008 Lincoln Navigator.

The two car collision happened on Cliff Road when Cunningham, headed south in his 1992 Ford Mustang, lost control of his car on a curve and hit the Navigator that was being driven by 43-year-old Jeffrey Brett, a Port Jefferson resident. Cunningham died at the scene of the crash and an unidentified passenger in his car whose injuries were described as non-life threatening was taken to Stony Brook University Medical Center for treatment, officials said. Brett was also treated for minor injuries. Sixth Squad detectives are investigating this car accident in New York and have impounded both cars.

Continue reading "Belle Terre Auto Accident Proves Fatal" »

On November 15, the New York Daily News reported in a story that Dimitri Arvanitogiannis, 19, was seriously hurt in an intentional New York hit and run accident. Arvanitogiannis was nearly killed when he was hit by a Honda Civic being driven by another 19 year old whose name was not yet released by the authorities. Arvanitogiannis was taken to New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens where doctors were treating him for leg and head injuries and is expected to survive.

Witnesses say that after being kicked off a party bus at Bayside High School in Queens for smoking and fighting, three young men exited the party bus that carried 40 young partygoers. Next they jumped into their Honda Civic and began racing up and down Kennedy Street. Finally the driver of the Civic turned his anger towards the crowd and ran over Arvanitogiannis.

A friend of Arvantogiannis who witnessed the New York auto accident, Matt Pavich, 19, cried "How did this happen?" Pavich’s shirt still marked with blood. "Dimitri didn't do anything to deserve this. It's all senseless."

Continue reading "Queens Hit and Run Accident Seriously Injures Teen" »

The parents of a 21-year-old man, who was killed two years ago when his Jeep fell off a 90-foot cliff at a Rockaway Township quarry, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the operator of the quarry and a restaurant where the man drank before the fatal accident occurred. According to an article from NJ.com, Thomas and Barbara Schultz filed the lawsuit on behalf of their deceased son Matthew Quinn Schultz.

The couple alleges that the company Tilcon knew the Mt. Hope quarry site was dangerous and an “attractive nuisance” to trespassers and fun-seekers, but failed to install gates and secure the facility.

The couple also named Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse as a defendant, alleging that their son, who worked at the restaurant, became heavily intoxicated there after finishing his shift on the night of the accident. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the defendants and seeks damages for loss of enjoyment of life and the pain and distress Schultz suffered before his death.

Continue reading "Rockaway Township Auto Accident Results in Parents Filing Wrongful Death Lawsuit " »

The ny1.com website reported in a story on October 24, that a principally high number of pedestrian accidents in New York occurred on that particular Friday. Sadly, two of those accidents resulted in the wrongful death of two senior citizens while leaving several others injured.

The first terrible tragedy occurred in Manhattan when James Dong, 60, was struck while attempting to enter his vehicle at 106 Bowery Street in Chinatown. According to the authorities, the truck driver did not seem to realize he had struck someone as he left the scene. The police are investigating this as a hit and run.

The second wrongful death occurred in a pedestrian accident in Brooklyn when Bridget Morrissey, 74, was crossing the street at 75th Street and 14th Avenue in Dyker Heights, when what is described as a grey colored vehicle hit and killed her. This incident is also being investigated as a hit and run because this driver also left the scene without stopping.

Continue reading "New York Pedestrian Accidents Occur In Large Numbers In One Day, 2 Dead" »

According to a report, Vijay Aranha, a Forest Hills man whose elderly mom was struck by a car while crossing Metropolitan Ave., is leading a movement to improve safety along the busy street. On October 24th, his 74 year old mom, Mable, was struck on Metropolitan Ave and 70th Road. The New York auto accident left her with a broken leg and internal bleeding.

“The traffic has become horrendous”, explained Aranha, 43. He believes the Queens pedestrian accident occurred because the driver who struck his mom and then fled the scene was enraged about the street being too crowded.

To deal with the problem, Aranha wants the city to construct speed bumps on side streets and also add things like left turn signals and signs that prohibit trucks from entering certain smaller roads. The city has decided to install a left-turn signal from Metro into a shopping complex on Trotting course Lane to help prevent pedestrian accidents in Forest Hills.

Continue reading "Forest Hills Pedestrian Accident Inspires Desire For Safer Street" »

Hayley Ng, 4, and Diego Martinez, 3, died in a Manhattan auto versus pedestrian accident that occurred when an unoccupied delivery van hit a group of children, reports The Blade in a recent article. A third child was seriously injured and 14 other children were hospitalized with minor injuries, police said. Preliminary investigations showed the truck’s driver had double-parked to make a delivery and left the vehicle believing the shift lever to be in park.

Tragically, the lever turned out to have been in reverse and this caused the van to move backward and jump a curb before running down the children. Apparently, the children, who belonged to the Red Apple Child Development Center, were returning from a trip to the Chatham Square branch of the New York Public Library when the collision happened in Chinatown’s commercial area.

Continue reading "New York Delivery Truck Accident Kills 2 Children" »

The parents of a New Jersey man killed nearly two years ago have filed a lawsuit against the driver of the vehicle, The Star-Ledger reports. The plaintiffs, Norma Jean and John Grieves, alleged that driver Adam Gibbon was “careless and negligent” when he wrecked his Audi S4 on March 13, 2007 on a road in Washington Township. The couple’s son, 25-year-old Christopher Grieves, who was a front seat passenger in the Audi, died from injuries suffered in the crash.

Gibbon apparently crashed the car into a utility pole. Both men were wearing seatbelts. The wrongful death lawsuit also identifies unnamed entities as defendants who are stated to be responsible for clearing the snow and ice on the roadway and for defective design of the roadway. Gibbon was indicted January 7, 2009 on a second-degree death by auto charge. Prosecutors allege Gibbon drove recklessly and caused Grieves’ death.

Continue reading "Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed By Parents Of Auto Victim" »

A 27-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress alleging that he is responsible for a Florida car crash in May that left her with neck and back injuries. According to this news report, Alise Smith’s lawsuit states Burress rear-ended her vehicle on Florida’s Turnpike in Tamarac. She is seeking more than $15,000 for medical bills, lost wages and damages to her car.

Her lawsuit states Smith was buckled up when Burress rear-ended her because he failed to maintain a “safe braking distance” and did not maintain a proper lookout or exercise reasonable care. Burress is also facing traffic citations in South Florida in connection with the auto accident Smith has sued him for.

If you have suffered injuries in an auto accident in New York that was caused because of someone else’s carelessness or negligence, then you are entitled to compensation for medical expenses, cost of hospitalization or medication and lost wages. If a driver caused the accident because he or she was under the influence of alcohol or drugs; if he or she was distracted; or simply because he or she was careless or reckless, then he or she should be held civilly responsible for the accident, injuries and damages caused as a result.

In cases where a fatal accident is caused by negligence or wrongdoing, the family of the deceased victim may file a wrongful death claim, which would compensate them for the loss of a loved one as well as for lost wages. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident caused by someone else’s careless, recklessness or negligence, please call an experienced New York auto accident attorney at Wingate Russotti & Shapiro LLP. for a free consultation.

A 24-year-old New York woman has been indicted in the hit-and-run death of 51-year-old Ranford Beckford, the New York Newsday reports. Police say Lauren Dean was driving drunk when she hit Beckford’s motorized wheelchair in Coram. New York. Dean then reportedly fled the scene of the New York auto accident. She faces several charges including first-degree manslaughter and faces five to 15 years in prison.

But Dean is saying that she never hit anybody. She told police she thought she hit the curb. But officials say Dean had a blood alcohol level of .242 percent, more than three times the legal limit in New York, which is 0.08 percent. Dean has pleaded not guilty to the charges of felony hit-and-run resulting in a death and three misdemeanors including aggravated driving while intoxicated and driving without a license.

We hope this woman is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law and is both criminally and civilly responsible for causing the death of Ranford Beckford. The victim’s family in this case can file a wrongful death claim against the driver because this accident, based on this news report, was caused by a drunk and negligent driver. Beckford’s family will be entitled to compensation for medical and funeral expenses, loss of wages and other damages.

If you or a loved one has been serious injured or killed in a New York auto accident, please call the Law Offices of Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro to find out about your legal rights. We will hold the wrongdoers accountable and make sure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. We always offer a free consultation.

Man Ejected from Car during Crash Killed on Staten Island Expressway

A 52-year-old man reportedly died of injuries he suffered during an auto accident on November 25, 2008 on the Staten Island Expressway. According to this news report, the victim, who has not yet been identified, was taken to an area hospital after the car he was a passenger in careened into a guardrail on the Staten Island Expressway near its merge with the West Shore Expressway. The driver was reportedly traveling at a high rate of speed. The victim was ejected from the vehicle over the guardrail and fell down to the ground. It is not clear yet how and why he was ejected.

It would be very interesting to see how and why this man was thrown out of the vehicle. The main question here would be: Was the victim wearing his seatbelt? And if he was, did it fail at the time of the accident? If the victim was thrown out of the vehicle as a result of a defective seatbelt, which failed at the time of the accident, then his family members can file a product liability lawsuit against the auto manufacturer.

Seatbelts could be defective because of a manufacturing defect or a design defect. An experienced New York auto product defect attorney will be able to determine using experts how and why this accident occurred and who should be held responsible for it. Victims’ families may be entitled to significant compensation for their personal loss, loss of future wages (especially if the deceased victim was the family’s primary breadwinner) and other related expenses.

Antonio Romano, 55, died in a Staten Island pedestrian hit-and-run accident on November 3, 2008, the Staten Island Advance reports. Romano was found about 20 feet in front of his black 2008 Honda Accord on North Railroad Avenue near the intersection of Atlantic Avenue. He had suffered massive head trauma and was taken to the hospital in critical condition, where he died.

Police are still trying to figure out who may have struck Romano and left him to die on the street. It is not known exactly what Romano was doing there at the time of the crash. Eyewitnesses said the hit-and-run driver seemed to have stuck Romano and his Honda, which had suffered some damage to the driver’s side window. A passer-by saw Romano lying on the street and called emergency personnel.

We certainly hope police apprehend whoever committed this heinous act and bring them to justice. Hit-and-run is not only an appalling act, it is also a crime. It is against New York law to leave the scene of an accident. New York state law requires drivers involved in an auto accident in New York to remain at the scene of the accident and exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other driver or drivers. It is necessary to stop and exchange information even if you believe the accident was not your fault. If there are injuries involved, the driver is required to stay at the scene and render aid to the victim, if it is possible to do so safely.

The hit-and-run driver in this Staten Island auto accident should be held civilly and criminally responsible for causing this accident and then leaving the victim to die. Romano’s family should call a leading Long Island personal injury attorney to find out more about their legal rights and options.

An 82-year-old woman has died from injuries she suffered in a Nov. 7 chain reaction car accident in Henrietta that injured several people, according to this news report. Sally Erwin died on November 22, 2008. The incident reportedly occurred on East Henrietta Road when a vehicle rear-ended a second car, which was then pushed into the oncoming lane hitting a third car. Six people suffered injuries and were taken to an area hospital.

Clearly, this is a complex auto accident that requires in-depth investigation. The injured victims and the family of Sally Erwin would be well-advised to retain the services of a truly experienced New York auto accident attorney who will determine what went wrong here and who should be held responsible for the accident, injuries and fatality. The wrongdoer, if he or she was operating under the influence, must be held criminally and civilly responsible for the injuries and loss.

If you or someone you love has been serious injured or killed in a New York auto accident, please call an experienced and knowledgeable Manhattan personal injury attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP. for a free and comprehensive consultation. We will fight hard to protect your legal rights and secure fair compensation for your injuries and loss.

Jason Shein, 21, was killed in a Farmingdale head-on collision which officials say was caused by a suspected drunk driver. Persi Esquivel, 46, has been arrested on manslaughter and 11 other charges. According to a news report in Newsday, Esquivel lost control of his 2000 Ford Explorer, crossed the double yellow line and slammed his SUV head-on into Shein’s 1998 Chrysler Sebring convertible. Shein, who was home for Thanksgiving break from the University of Miami, was pronounced dead at the scene of the fatal SUV accident.

All except one of Shein’s passengers have been treated and released. One 21-year-old man remains in the hospital in serious condition. Esquivel has apparently had several priors that involve DUI, the newspaper report stated.

There is no question that this is a huge tragedy for the Shein family. We hope Esquivel is brought to justice. It is surprising that this man with his rap sheet, especially his prior DUIs, was still able to drive with a valid license in the state of New York. He was said to be on probation at the time of this fatal Farmingdale car accident. Esquivel should be held criminally and civilly responsible for his negligence and callous disregard for human life and public safety.

Families of deceased victims in the State of New York are able to recover compensation from negligent parties in an auto accident. These family members could receive compensation for funeral expenses and loss of future wages, among other losses. Families who have lost loved ones in such tragic accident where the fault is obvious, should contact a New York auto accident attorney, who has the knowledge and experience with such cases and can secure them the compensation they rightfully deserve.

An Avon teenager had pleaded not guilty in a deadly DWI truck accident in New York that killed a 16-year-old boy in October. Aaron Boop, 19, faces four felonies and three misdemeanors including vehicular manslaughter and DWI charges, according to this news report. Nicholas Zajac, 16, was ejected from the pickup that Boop was driving after Boop went off the road and hit a tree near the Monroe and Genesee County line. Boop was sent to jail without bail.

This article also states that traffic investigators collected evidence at the scene including some blood and tissue. They also collected a DNA sample from Boop. Prosecutors call it a “pretty severe motor vehicle accident.”

Drinking and driving is illegal in New York. Underage drivers will and should face severe penalties when they drink and drive, especially when the incident involves severe or fatal injuries to a person other than a driver. In such cases, the suspected drunk driver will very likely not only face criminal manslaughter charges, but could also be held civilly responsible for the injuries or death he or she caused as a result of his or her negligent behavior.

If you or someone you know has been severely injured or killed in a New York DWI or DUI crash, please call an experienced New York wrongful death attorney or personal injury lawyer at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP. for a free consultation. We will financially pursue the negligent parties involved and wrongdoers to make sure that you get justice and the fair compensation you rightfully deserve.

Another Crash Occurs on Dangerous Stretch of Staten Island Roadway

Alfred Spinelli, 37, was hospitalized after he crashed into a pole located on a controversial roadway on Staten Island, which many neighbors have said has been a dangerous roadway for motorists, the Staten Island Advance reports. Spinelli’s crash took place barely feet away from the location where four teenagers were injured days earlier when the driver lost control of her vehicle as she veered into a foot-deep drainage ditch and then crashed into a tree.

Julieann D’Amato’s father, Benny, said the city is responsible for the condition of Bloomingdale Road, which lacks a white line to delineate the edge of the asphalt. Benny D’Amato told the Advance that his daughter has been crying since the Staten Island auto accident and has been traumatized by it.

Thousands of Americans die each year because of dangerous conditions on roadways and intersections that are not properly maintained by municipalities or governmental agencies that are responsible for maintaining them. In this Staten Island case, the governmental agency in charge of that roadway failed to paint a white line or install some type of marker to caution drivers. It is basically poor road design on the part of the city.

People who get injured or killed on dangerous roadways have the legal right to sue the governmental agency responsible for maintaining that roadway, which caused them the injury. Victims must prove that a dangerous condition existed at the time of the accident, that the injuries were caused by such a condition and that the agency in charge had knowledge of such a deficiency on their roadway. Most states including New York have time limits within which such claims must be filed. So victims and/or their families would be well-advised to contact an experienced New York personal injury lawyer at the earliest to discuss their case and analyze their legal options.

Jennifer Mager, 37, was killed in an auto accident in Wading River Sept. 26, New York Newday reports. Mager was reportedly a passenger in the 2008 Toyota sport utility vehicle driven by her 49-year-old husband, Thomas Mager. Their 2-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle. Both her husband and daughter suffered injuries but they were not life-threatening.

The fatal auto accident occurred when a 2001 BMW traveling west on County Route 25A, drove into the eastbound lane and struck the family’s Toyota SUV. The driver of the BMW has been identified as 28-year-old David Jacobs of Port Jefferson. No criminal charges have been filed against Jacobs, the article reported.

When auto accidents are caused because of someone’s callousness or negligence, then victims and in some cases, their families may be entitled to significant compensation. This is particularly true in cases where the driver who made the error was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. DUI drivers are also criminally charged.

There may be many factors involved in an auto accident including driver negligence or error, defective auto product or product liability issues, mechanical malfunction, driving under the influence and/or a dangerous condition on the roadway. It takes a competent auto accident attorney with a thorough knowledge of the law to dissect these cases and obtain justice and fair compensation for victims and/or their loved ones. For a free consultation or to find out if you have a case, please call an expert NY auto accident attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro today.

The parents of a 21-year-old man, who was killed two years ago when his Jeep fell off a 90-foot cliff at a Rockaway Township quarry, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the operator of the quarry and a restaurant where the man drank before the fatal accident occurred. According to an article in the Daily Record, Thomas and Barbara Schultz filed the lawsuit on behalf of their deceased son Matthew Quinn Schultz.

The couple alleges that the company Tilcon knew the Mt. Hope quarry site was dangerous and an “attractive nuisance” to trespassers and fun-seekers, but failed to install gates and secure the facility. The couple also named Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse as a defendant alleging that their son, who worked at the restaurant, became heavily intoxicated there after finishing his shift on the night of the accident. The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the defendants and seeks damages for loss of enjoyment of life and the pain and distress Schultz suffered before his death.

The New York wrongful death attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have handled wrongful death cases involving catastrophic auto accidents, medical malpractice and construction accidents. If you have lost loved ones as a result of someone’s negligence, then you have a right to file wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for your loss and expenses.

If you would like to find out if you have a case, please call an experienced New York wrongful death attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation. We will work hard to make sure you get the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

A female driver died in a chain reaction crash involving several vehicles on the Long Island Expressway, Newsday reports. The automobile crash was reportedly triggered by a driver who swerved as he changed lanes.

Police said George Spinelli, who was driving a Ford van west on the expressway near exit 49, moved from the right to the center lane and then moved back to the right as another vehicle moved to the center lane. As Spinelli swerved, he crashed into a Honda CR-V driven by Ligia Gomez of North Babylon. Gomez then slammed into a Saturn sedan driven by another woman, who suffered the fatal injuries in this auto accident.

This is clearly a tragic and unfortunate auto accident. But the families and heirs of auto accident victims have legal rights. If they believe the accident was caused because of someone’s negligence, then they have the right to sue that individual, business or government agency for the wrongful death of their loved one.

If you or someone you love has been severely injured or killed in a New York auto accident, please call an experienced NY auto accident attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro to discuss your rights and legal options. We will conduct a thorough and independent investigation of the auto accident and make sure that the negligent parties are held responsible for their actions.

A Tappan Zee Bridge tractor trailer accident involving a passenger vehicle and a loaded propane tanker sent two drivers to the hospital, according to this news article. Fortunately, there was no fire or leaks from the propane tank, which could have had led to catastrophic injuries.

The injured truck drivers were reportedly taken to an area hospital with minor injuries. According to officials, 50-year-old Roy Steiner, the propane tank driver was stopped in a construction zone. A car driven by Michael Zahorchak was slowing down in the construction zone when it was hit from behind by a tractor trailer. The big rig driver is identified as Amadu Bah, 43, of Staten Island. While the car struck the center barrier, the tractor trailer moved and struck the propane tanker. Steiner suffered neck and back injuries while Bah broke his left wrist. Zahorchak was uninjured.

According to this report, it appears as if the driver of the tractor trailer failed to slow down in the construction zone rear-ending the passenger car, which set off the chain reaction auto accident. If it is determined that the driver of the big rig was at fault, he and the trucking company could be held responsible for the accident, injuries and damages.

In any New York truck accident, it is important that you call an experienced New York personal injury lawyer to handle your case. If you have been injured in a big rig accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages and property damage. Call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation.

Steven Economos, 18, of Staten Island died after losing control of his car and crashing into a utility pole on Amboy Road near Buffalo Street in Bay Terrace, according to this news report. The teenager was driving with three teenage passengers in his mother’s blue 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt when the accident occurred.

The roof of the vehicle had to be cut open to remove Economos, police officials said. He was admitted to an area hospital with critical injuries. He died a little later in the hospital, the report said. His passengers were two men – ages 19 and 17 – and a 16-year-old girl. The Amboy Road auto accident left the teens in stable condition.

It is not clear what caused Economos to crash his vehicle into the pole. There are no details about how fast he was traveling and whether drugs or alcohol played a part in the accident.

It takes an experienced Staten Island personal injury attorney to investigate the facts and find out what or who was responsible for an auto accident. Some auto accidents may involve a defective auto product that triggered a mechanical malfunction. In such cases, the auto manufacturer could be held liable for the accident, injuries and damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in an auto accident, call an experienced personal injury attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation.

New York pastor and gospel singer Timothy Wright suffered critical injuries in a Central Pennsylvania auto accident, which also killed his wife, 58-year-old Betty Wright, the Associated Press reports. Wright’s 14-year-old grandson, D. J. Wright, was also injured in the accident, which was apparently caused by a wrong-way driver who hit their vehicle.

The 61-year-old pastor and his grandson are recovering from their injuries. The wrong-way driver, 44-year-old John Pick, also died. A passenger in a third vehicle who was also injured is also in fair condition, the news agency reports. Pastor Wright is said to be in critical condition.

Wrong way auto accidents are deadly because they are usually head-on collisions often occurring at high speeds. The impact usually results in fatalities and serious injuries. Often, the person who is responsible for a wrong-way crash could be held responsible for the accident, injuries and damages.

There is not much information about how this wrong way accident occurred and whether the wrong-way driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. That will certainly be a part of the investigation and will be revealed when the autopsy results are released.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a New York auto accident, please call an experienced New York auto accident attorney at Wingate Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation.

For many, July 2, 2005 was just another summer day. For one couple, it was the day a fatal DUI crash in New York killed their niece and other members of their family on their sister’s wedding day. The crash, which took place on the Long Island Sound, involved 24-year-old Martin Heidgen, who had over 14 drinks before striking a limo headed away from a wedding head-on. The crash decapitated seven-year old Katie and killed Stanley Rabinowitz, 59, who was driving the limo.

Now the family is coming forward on Oprah to share their story and its devastating details for a national audience. The family is still recovering from the deaths and the gruesome accident, which involved over 70 rescue workers and paramedics and left several of the surviving family members physically and emotionally wounded.

The couple had done everything within their power to prevent drinking and driving at their wedding. However, their decision to have the wedding on the DUI-heavy July 4 weekend had life-long ramifications. Though the driver, who drove the wrong way for over two miles before striking the limo head-on, is serving an 18-year jail sentence for his crime, nothing can ever replace little Katie and the other family members who died in the head-on car crash.

Continue reading "Couple Shares The Wreck That Ruined Their Lives on Oprah" »

According to a story in the New York Times, on June 21st a sixteen year-old driver fled the scene of a hit and run accident that injured four people, including two toddlers. Witnesses to the accident said that the car struck two children in Manhattan, who were playing on a sidewalk. When the driver fled the scene he left the two children, both two years of age, bleeding on the sidewalk. The other two victims of the hit and run, a sixteen year-old and a nineteen year-old, were listed in stable condition. Police officers caught up with the driver and arrested him on charges of reckless endangerment, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident.

Shockingly, this hit and run on June 21st follows a string of recent similar events at three Manhattan locations-hitting a total of 18 people. Three of those injured were hospitalized in serious condition and eleven others were treated for less serious injuries.

In one case, a sixty year old driver made the mistake of hitting the gas instead of the brake while pulling out of a parking spot. As a result, the car struck seven pedestrians in Chinatown on the sidewalk and a bench. Two of those people were hospitalized in serious but stable condition.

Continue reading "Sixteen Year-Old Driver Flees Scene of Hit and Run" »

According to a New York Times article, around 5PM on June 20th, eight pedestrians were hit and injured by a hit and run driver in Manhattan in the Midtown garment district. The accident occurred when a vehicle, a dark blue Ford Explorer, jumped the curb-plowing into the group of pedestrians. The driver fled the scene and was later questioned by the police.

While the police indicated that none of the injuries were likely fatal, eight patients were treated for injuries. Three of the patients were taken to Bellevue Hospital where one was found to be in serious condition, one in serious but stable condition and one in stable condition. St. Vincent’s Hospital cared for four more of the victims who were diagnosed as being in stable condition with minor injuries. A final victim was treated and released at the scene.

Mr. Ralph Hasbani, 23, who was working at a nearby cell phone store at the time, commented that pedestrians screamed as the car plowed onto the sidewalk. “I saw four people under the car. It took six or seven guys to pull everyone out. There was one kid who walked out from under the car. The driver ran after the accident,” Hasbani said.

Continue reading "8 Pedestrians Injured by Hit and Run Driver in Garment District" »

A 9-year-old Brooklyn boy suffered critical auto accident injuries after he was struck by a teenage hit-and-run driver, who reportedly turned himself in to authorities later, according to a news report in The New York Times. Akeem Suluki suffered brain injuries and lung injuries and was transported to Kings County Hospital Center, the Times reported. Akeem was reportedly walking home from school and was walking along Macon Street close to his home when the tragic accident occurred.

After hitting the boy, 16-year-old Shyquan Burns drove away, but later turned himself in to police, the article said. The teenager was arrested and charged with driving without a license and with leaving the scene of an accident. The teenager in this case did the right thing by surrendering to authorities although he initially panicked and fled the scene of the new york auto accident.

It is indeed a horrible tragedy for the family of the young boy who has suffered traumatic brain injuries as a result of this auto accident. The teenager obviously did not have the training to drive. He had no license and could not control the vehicle. It would be interesting to find out if he was allowed by his parents or guardians to drive or whether he took a vehicle without the permission or knowledge of his parents or guardians. That will determine to a great degree as to who will be held responsible for Akeem’s severe injuries.

Continue reading "9-year-old Brooklyn Boy Suffers Severe Brain Injuries In Hit-and-Run Accident" »

Six people were injured, including the driver of a Nissan Altima that jumped a curb-hitting a fire hydrant and a coffee cart- then pinning a man against a railing on the steps of the New York State Supreme Court-popularly known as the courthouse in the opening scenes of Law & Order. Rescue workers were required to cut through the railing where the 32 year-old injured man was pinned. Among the six injured, some unnamed by police, was the driver of the Nissan; his passenger; a coffee vendor and the man pinned under the railing. Two pedestrians were also injured in the auto accident on the steps of the New York State Supreme Court, according to the New York Times story.

According to one witness, 45 year-old Shawn Dunn, a Sanitation Department worker, on his way to a substation said that the driver was coming ‘pretty quick’ and the scene was very ‘chaotic’.

Lorenzo Bello, of Queens, the 33 year-old driver of the Nissan, was arrested and charged with reckless endangerment and driving with a suspended license and then taken to a hospital where he was listed in stable condition after the New York car accident.

Continue reading "Auto Accident on State Supreme Court Steps Injures Six" »

One person died and seven people suffered injuries in a Harlem auto accident after an out-of-control Chevy Astro van jumped a curb and rammed into people on a sidewalk. The van’s driver, who has not been identified, died in this auto accident, six people suffered serious injuries and one 3-year-old who was pinned under the vehicle suffered critical injuries, according to a news report on WCBS-TV.

The Astro van reportedly took a sharp turn into a sidewalk on the busy corner of East 125th Street. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the driver appeared to have passed out in the vehicle. Officials are looking at whether a medical condition may have caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle. There is no indication whether alcohol or drugs may have played a part in this fatal New York auto accident. Officials also told the New York Times that no other vehicles forced the van on to the curb.

Continue reading "Harlem Auto Accident Kills 1 and Injures 7" »

A story in The New York Times illustrates that no one is sheltered from the tragedies and near tragedies of life. New Jersey’s Governor, Jon S. Corzine, shared with his safety task force, and at a news conference, how his family has been personally touched by teenage New York traffic accidents, indicating that all three of his children, at one point or another, had been a traffic statistic - one having been seriously injured. Governor Corzine commented, “The numbers are real, and they were in my household.”

In fact, while discussing new and more comprehensive legislation regarding teenaged drivers, Governor Corzine embraced his task forces’ recommendations to improve safety for teenage drivers in New Jersey. Governor Corzine remarked, “This is one of the good moments when it’s great to be involved with government.”

The task force, in its 54 page report to the Governor, made several recommendations, including the possibility of creating a brightly colored decal to be placed on the cars of teenage drivers that would not only help enforcement of the traffic laws by the police, but would also alert other drivers to exercise more caution in the presence of these new drivers. This suggestion will require not only new legislation but an investigation into the costs, details and safeguards of such a program.

Continue reading "Task Force Makes Recommendations To Curb Teenage Driving Accidents" »

Three people died in a Long Island tractor trailer accident after their Ford Escort rammed into the back of a big rig parked on a residential street, The New York Times reports. According to the news report, the truck driver was asleep inside the stationary vehicle when the 1995 Ford Escort hit the tractor trailer and ended up almost entirely underneath the truck.

The three people who suffered fatal injuries in the crash were the driver, Araceli Carpenter, 19, of East Patchogue; and passengers Stephen Nowakowski, 25, of Ronkonkoma and Meagan Ferraro, 17, of Islip. Officials reportedly issued 15 citations to the truck driver, 29-year-old Charles Howard of North Carolina, but said that he was parked legally on the residential street and that the driver of the Escort was not speeding. Neighbors however told the newspaper that other truck drivers often park illegally on their street causing danger to other passenger vehicles.

This is a tragic yet typical case of a tractor trailer underride accident where a passenger vehicle, usually the front of the passenger vehicle, enters below the base of the trailer of a large truck. This type of “underride” happens most often with smaller passenger cars and less with sport utility vehicles or pick-up trucks. These types of New York truck accidents often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Continue reading "Three Dead In New York Tractor Trailer Accident" »

In a tragic example of the dangers of our city’s highways, a 27-year old Queens woman was killed in a NY Auto Accident on Saturday, April 19th when the car she was driving and a fire engine collided at an intersection in South Jamaica, according to an article published in the New York Times.

The accident took place during daylight hours, at approximately 9:45a.m. and the woman was driving a 1995 Nissan southbound on 155th St. The fire engine was traveling westbound on 111th Ave. with its lights and sirens on as it responded to a fire, according to police. Five firefighters were taken to the hospital after the collision with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Every New York Car Accident has unique circumstances. In this instance, the parties involved in the crash add to the prospects of possible liability. The questions an attorney asks in instances where a municipal vehicle is involved in an accident differ from those they would ask if it were two civilian autos that were involved. Only an experienced NY Auto Accident attorney, like the ones at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro have the experience to analyze the facts of the accident and ask the proper questions about cause and liability.

Continue reading "Woman Dies in Collision with Fire Truck" »

According to a study performed by The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and reported in the New York Times, car-related fatalities among youth go up at age 12 and continue to increase for several years. The researchers, led by Dr. Flaura Koplin Winston, based the data after a review of more than 45,000 crashes over a 6-year period in all 50 states.

Researchers pointed to several possible reasons for the increase in youthful auto accident fatalities. One possible theory is that the children were more likely to be riding in cars with young drivers at the wheel. Failure to wear seat belts was another factor. The study indicated that passengers in cars that were driven by a 16-17 year old were at a substantial increased risk of death.

Young drivers are more easily distracted with passengers in the car. In fact, in a recent survey performed by the University of California, more than 1/3 of teenage drivers surveyed admitted they had been distracted when young passengers were in the car. The drivers surveyed cited talking, yelling, and arguing as distracting them while driving.

Continue reading "EARLY TEENS - A DEADLY TIME FOR CAR CRASH FATALITIES" »

In a story reported in the New York Times, Nuevo Estilo, a barber, was an unlikely hero last December when he chased down a hit and run driver of a minivan, who plowed down a man and kept going. Witnesses said the victim, 73 year-old Francisco Guerrero, was carrying several bags of groceries and was walking home when they saw the minivan hit him.

Estilo was working in a barber shop on Fourth Avenue at 52nd street when he saw the blue minivan hit the man. As Estilo chased the minivan a delivery driver followed. The Dodge Caravan minivan went on to ram into a parked car and proceeded, finally coming to a stop near 50th Street and Third Avenue - where he got out of the minivan and started running down the street. After a short chase, the hit and run driver was eventually captured by Estilo and the delivery truck driver. Police arrested the man, Lawrence Meyers, 38, and took him into custody after he was driven back to the scene by the delivery driver.

Continue reading "HIT AND RUN DRIVER KILLS ONE-CAUGHT BY NEW YORK HEROS" »

When it comes to New York Auto Accidents, March is coming in like a lion! A Queen’s driver died after his car hit a guardrail on the Long Island expressway-plunging off the exit ramp and landing below in a Flushing Meadows Park where the car burst into flames.

Another reported accident occurred when a police car and a sedan collided on 6th Avenue in the West Village. Witnesses reported not hearing police sirens or seeing flashing lights according to a story in the New York Daily News. The officer was reportedly responding to a call for an ‘officer assist’. The patrol car suffered damage to its metal frame, which was characterized as severely bent, and airbags had been deployed. A witness located at a restaurant across the street from the accident indicated that the police were going fast when they crashed and he didn’t see anyone move from the cars. Four people were later hospitalized, but according to the NYPD Department of Public Information all of the injuries were minor. No further information was given.

Continue reading "INJURIES AND DEATH INVADE NEW YORK" »

In an example of a tragic motor vehicle accident, the New York Times reported that on February 14, 2008, after driving through a chain link fence's open gates, an SUV, filled with wallpaper and scaffolding, slid across about 150 feet of ice into a metal cable stretched across the edge of the garage, before it crashed 40 ft. below-landing on its roof- crushing and killing 46 year-old Julie Simon. Mrs. Simon and Charles, her 47 year-old husband, were working as wallpaper hangers as part of a crew of contractors working on a newly erected office building, police said.

"The car teetered on the edge for a moment and then flipped over. Nassau Police Detective Michael Bitsko indicated to the Times that Mrs. Simon’s husband was able to get out of the SUV right before it started teetering. The Times story reported that apparently Mrs. Simon was unable to unbuckle her seat belt in time to get out of the GMC Suburban before it plunged off the upper level of the garage in New Hyde Park, L.I., which was partially under construction.

The Times story reported that Police and investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration were investigating how the SUV got access to the off-limits area. Sgt. Anthony Repalone said "There is no concrete barrier to stop cars from going over”.

Continue reading "LACK OF BARRIERS LEADS TO FATAL DRIVE OFF ICY GARAGE DECK" »

In a frightening example of employee negligence that resulted in the wrongful death of two innocent people, a truck driver who is reported to have voluntarily quit taking his seizure medication lost consciousness and control of his garbage truck, killing two tourists from England when his truck jumped a curb, according to the New York Times. The crash took place in the late evening hours of February 12th, in Manhattan, on West 35th Street, between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of Americas. Action Carting Environmental Services of Newark are the owners of the truck driven by the truck driver, 52 year-old Auvryn Scarlett. A passenger in the garbage truck with Scarlett indicated he saw that Scarlett was driving erratically and he tried to grab the wheel and get control of the truck.

The two tourists who died were identified by police as Andrew Hardie, 47 and Jacklyn Timmons from Yeovil in southern England. Both were killed when the garbage truck hit them while they were walking on the sidewalk at 42 West 35th Street in Manhattan.

According to the story in the Times, police investigators filed charges against Scarlett, because he was not taking medication prescribed to him to prevent seizures. The police said that Mr. Scarlett’s truck, owned by Action Carting Environmental Services of Newark, New Jersey, was traveling west, and struck lamp posts and storefronts before striking three people. The third person hit, also on the sidewalk, was identified by police as Abayomi Henderson, 23, of Queens. Mr. Henderson was taken to Bellevue Hospital Center, where he was in serious condition, the police said last Wednesday.

Continue reading "TRUCK DRIVER KILLS TWO IN MANHATTAN" »

Eight people were injured in a crash in Laurelton when a fire engine that was responding to an emergency was involved in an automobile accident with a United States Postal Service tractor-trailer and a taxicab, according to a New York Times report published January 18th. The Fire Department reported that three civilians and five firefighters were among the injured and were taken to area hospitals for various injuries. The truck driver, who was not identified, was in critical condition Thursday evening, authorities said. The injuries to the other parties involved in the accident were said not to be life-threatening.

This is a tragic example of the dangers of New York truck accidents on our state’s highways. Our firm has extensive experience in all types of injury accidents including truck accidents. We promptly and thoroughly investigate each case to assess liability and determine fault. We work with experienced investigators to obtain photographs, witness statements and other necessary investigation immediately when the evidence is still fresh. Our New York truck collision attorneys have an excellent understanding of the intricacies of personal injury law.

Continue reading "Eight Injured When Fire Truck Responding To An Emergency, Crashes" »

The Police suspect drag racing may have played a role in the deaths of three people and the serious injury of a fourth who were involved in a two-vehicle collision on Sunday afternoon on a New Jersey road. According to the New York Times article, the road had a reputation as a place for drag racing.

Maria Leyton, 79 from Fords, George M. Ghebrial, 19 and Mena S. Shafek, 18 both of Jersey City were all pronounced dead at the scene. The sole survivor, Doris Etchegaray, 54, Ms. Leyton’s daughter, was taken to the Jersey City Medical Center, where she underwent surgery, the police said. Investigators speculated that she survived because of an air bag on her side. There was no airbag on the passenger’s side.

The automobile accident occurred a little after 3pm in the 2500 block of Secaucus Road in North Bergen. Secaucus Road has had a recurring drag racing problem as the highway is in an industrial zone that is largely deserted on weekends. The road is two lanes wide and has long, straight stretches between traffic lights. Both vehicles involved in the crash were demolished and authorities believe the collision involved a speed well above the local limit of 25 miles per hour.

Continue reading "3 Dead In New Jersey Auto Accident" »

National Public Radio did a timely story recently on efforts to educate teens on drinking and driving. It comes on the heels of a report showing that young women -- who were once statistically safer drivers than their male counterparts -- are increasingly engaging in risky driving behavior like drinking and driving. And another story in the same newspaper earlier gave us a detailed view of the lives of several teenagers ten years after they were involved in a rollover accident that killed two and left two others with permanent brain damage.

While there's clearly no time of year when drinking and driving is a good idea, it's especially relevant right now, as summer approaches. More pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists will be out on the streets, teens will be out of school, and many of us will be heading for parties and barbecues in the approaching warm evenings. The blood on that teen is false, but they're putting it on him because the risk he runs is, unfortunately, quite real. Car accidents, as the report reminded us, are the number-one killer of American teenagers. We've handled thousands of motor vehicle accident cases, here at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, so we know very well how serious the consequences can be -- medical, personal and financial. Especially for a teenager or young adult with an entire life ahead of him or her, it's just not worth it.

This article about a truck accident that took place upstate, along the New York State Thruway, is a good illustration of why drivers need to be extremely aware of the large trucks around them. According to the Lower Hudson Online:

Jackson Julien, the driver of a tractor-trailer, said he was in the northbound middle lane about a mile north of Exit 15A when the driver of a sport utility vehicle attempted to move left from the right lane.
Julien said he tried to move into the left lane to compensate, but hit another car with his trailer. The truck jackknifed and crashed into the guardrail, taking the SUV with it, and burst into flames, sending plumes of black smoke high into the sky.
"The lady said she didn't see me," he said, referring to the SUV's driver.

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine has become a believer! Or at least, he's pretending to be one. From an article published this week, we learned that Corzine plans to use his experience as a survivor of a serious auto accident, in which he did not wear a seat belt, to help show others why that's a really bad idea. He taped a public service announcement on May 15 about the importance of wearing seat belts -- which he had to do from home, in a wheelchair, because he broke one leg, 11 ribs, his collarbone and his sternum in the accident, which was caused by another driver who swerved into his lane, forcing Corzine's vehicle into a guardrail. The New Jersey state trooper who was driving wore a seat belt and was able to walk away from the accident with only minor injuries.

"I thoughtlessly had not put on my seat belt, and it's a steep price to pay," Corzine said. While he said he will now always wear his seat belt, Corzine said riding without a seat belt wasn't uncommon for him.
"I'm one of those old guys that grew up where it wasn't a part of the habit, but there's no excuse," Corzine said. "I've been yelling at my kids for years about it. It was wrong, and I'm paying the price."

WABC is reporting that a "horrible truck accident" took place this morning (May 17) in the Bronx between a tractor-trailer and a truck cab. (It looks like the truck cab may have been attached to a cement mixer, although it's hard to tell from the report.) Here are two of their photos:

The article says nobody was injured (though of course, it'll mess up traffic in the area, at least for today). If so, kudos to the driver of the smaller truck for thinking quickly enough to escape in time, because it looks like the cab of the truck was flattened. In fact, this accident illustrates the fundamental safety problem with large trucks: the laws of physics say that in a collision between two vehicles of unequal size, the smaller vehicle always loses. Passenger vehicles are designed to withstand an impact with another vehicle of equal size -- not a larger vehicle, whose weight brings significantly more pressure to the accident. That's why a collision between a large truck and any private passenger vehicle will probably result in death or serious injury to the people in the private car. And as you can see, even large trucks of unequal sizes aren't immune.

Of course, professional truckers have training and experience that's supposed to keep them from getting into accidents. But it doesn't always work that way, as some of our clients have, unfortunately, found. We were able to win $550,000 for one client who was hit by a turning tractor-trailer while she was stopped at a red light, causing spinal injuries as well as damage to her car. Between two economy cars, that probably would have been just a minor accident, if it had occurred at all. And that's why truck drivers -- and the companies that employ them and provide the trucks -- have a legal duty to be careful when they share the road with oprivate vehicles.

May is National Motorcycle Safety Month, a fact that has probably escaped most of America. We haven't seen many public service announcements about it. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration -- the federal organization that researches and educates the public on transportation safety -- has launched a "Share the Road" campaign with some timely reminders about the vulnerability of motorcyclists.

While we doubt the biker in that picture would appreciate being described as soft and squishy, they have a point: Motorcyclists are some of the most vulnerable people on the road. The fact sheet (MS Word format) that accompanies the NHTSA's ad campaign repeats the often-quoted statistic that 80 percent of motorcycle accidents result in the death of the rider or a passenger, whereas only 20 percent of car accidents result in the death of the driver or a passenger. It makes sense: when you get into a car, you're getting into a safety-engineered cage of steel that has seat belts and air bags to cushion you in an accident. When you get on a motorcycle, there's very little to protect you and nothing at all to keep you from being thrown from the vehicle. And the fact sheet says that 40 percent of multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers turning left in front of riders they "never saw." That's why "sharing the road," the theme of their campaign, is not just a pretty phrase to motorcyclists.

As you might imagine, motorcycle accidents are ugly. The number of deaths and head injuries from motorcycle accidents has gone down since the 1970s due to helmet use, but riders almost always end up with broken bones and severe cuts and scrapes. The unlucky ones also get spine, head or internal organ injuries that take months and hundreds of thousands of dollars to treat. We represented one motorcyclist who had a single-vehicle accident due to gravel in the road, causing him to spin out and lose control of his bike. He broke his collarbone and his foot and tore his rotator cuffs, which are muscles of the shoulder that you need in order to lift almost anything. We won $200,000 for that client, but we're quite sure he would have preferred to have his body and his bike in working order.

A few weeks ago, my friend John increased his automobile insurance policy limits to $300,000. He recently bought some real estate and said that he cannot sleep now that he has attachable assets; he is constantly worrying what will happen if he seriously hurts someone in an accident. I asked if he also obtained corresponding SUM coverage, which stands for Supplemental Underinsured Motorist Coverage. When he said he did not think so, I told him not to throw away his sleeping pills.

When John purchased $300,000 worth of liability insurance, he protected his assets and ensured that a stranger will be compensated if John causes an accident. But what if John is seriously injured in an accident and the offending vehicle only carries the minimum required coverage of $25,000? How will John be compensated for his losses? How will he and his family replace his earnings if he cannot work? How will he pay for his medical expenses not otherwise covered?

For a nominal extra premium, John could have obtained SUM coverage equal to the $300,000 he purchased to compensate others for their injuries. Now if John is severely injured and cannot work, his own insurance company must make up the difference. In the case of a minimally insured vehicle, he will receive an additional $275,000. Additionally, SUM coverage applies to injuries sustained by John=s wife, children, and any family member who might reside with him, and it applies to these people in any vehicle they enter. It even applies to them as bicyclists and pedestrians.

In an increasing number of states, insurance carriers must provide SUM coverage in every policy. In New York, it remains an optional coverage. Yet it is absolutely necessary. Especially in New York City, where pedestrian knockdowns and accidents involving taxicabs are routine occurrences, foregoing this coverage is simply not an option.