New York Injury Talk Blog

A recent auto accident on 42nd Street near Times Square left at least eight pedestrians injured and three with critical injuries requiring stays in hospital intensive-care units, according to an article in The Washington Post.

Witnesses said that the Manhattan auto accident was triggered when a vehicle sitting at the intersection of 42nd Street and 6th Avenue was rear-ended by a Jaguar traveling at a high rate of speed. The Jaguar bounced off the back of the rear-ended car, hit a nearby taxi, and then tipped onto its side onto the sidewalk, crushing several newspaper distribution boxes and injuring several pedestrians. The Jaguar finally came to rest against a tree near where it turned onto the sidewalk.

Overall, about 12 people were injured in the crash, including passengers in the various vehicles and pedestrians in the area where the Jaguar tipped onto the sidewalk. Three of those injured are in critical condition at local hospitals, and another three are listed in serious condition. Two more people hospitalized for their injuries are expected to be released soon and to make a complete recovery.

Car accidents can harm anyone involved in a collision, whether it’s those in another vehicle, pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident of any kind, call the experienced New York pedestrian injury attorneys at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin for a free and confidential case evaluation. Our number is (212) 222-4336.

The “culture of aggression” among drivers on Staten Island and throughout New York City in response to slow drivers puts pedestrians at great risk, according to a recent op-ed at Staten Island Live.

In New York, as in any city, some drivers travel the roads at a speed significantly slower than the posted speed limit. While this is not generally considered a violation of the law as long as it does not pose a safety hazard, it does frustrate many other drivers who want to travel faster. In Staten Island and neighboring areas, the response to being stuck behind a slow motorist is often to tailgate, blow one’s horn, and look for the first chance to swerve around the dawdling driver.

While this may give the faster driver a moment’s satisfaction, it can be fatal for pedestrians and bicyclists, who may be the reason the car in front is going more slowly. If a faster car swerves around a slower one, the driver may not see a pedestrian or bicyclist until it is too late to avoid a crash. The New York car crash results can be life-altering, tragic, and even deadly.

At Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, our experienced Staten Island pedestrian accident attorneys have seen firsthand how a pedestrian accident can throw the lives of ordinary people and their families into chaos. That’s why we’re passionate about helping those who have been injured by negligent drivers, so that they can focus on getting well and returning to the work, school, hobbies, and family activities that mean so much to them.

New York City is notorious for its precarious, and often dangerous, balance between motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. An innovative site called CrashStat uses information gathered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NY DOT) to raise awareness of traffic accidents in the Big Apple. The site focuses on bicycle and pedestrian accidents affected by crashes involving motor vehicles, and the data was gathered during the years 1995 to 2009.

The intuitive map based interface allows a user to interactively search neighborhoods, precincts, and addresses, as well as several other customizable selectors, for statistics on accidents. You can search regarding accident information, the kind of vehicles involved, and other items. As reported by the Village Voice, and according to the data on the site, the city’s most treacherous point is Park Avenue at 33rd Street. At that spot, over 163 pedestrians suffered injuries during the searchable period. Another cross street prone to accidents was E. Houston at the Bowery, noted the Voice; forty-one bicyclists were involved in accidents there.

A group called Transportation Alternatives is behind the site with the statement: “We believe that the City of New York should develop a comprehensive plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries.” The group also went on to note that 220,000 injuries have been sustained by pedestrians and bicyclists, and more than 2,000 lives have been lost in the city during the period tracked by CrashStat. Have you or a loved one been injured as a pedestrian or bicyclist in New York? Do you believe the accident was a result of a motor vehicle driver’s negligence? Contact the New York pedestrian accident attorneys with Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro at (212) 986-7353 for a complimentary case consultation.

A judge issued a Bronx woman a maximum sentence on August 8 for her role in a hit-and-run car accident in February 2010 that seriously injured two pedestrians, and left one in a permanent coma, whose condition is not anticipated to get better.

According to NYDailyNews.com, the 30-year-old driver will spend up to four years in prison for fleeing the scene after severely injuring the victim, a 22-year-old aide to Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the time of the accident, and her friend who were crossing a Brooklyn intersection in Prospect Heights. Prosecutors accused the driver of drinking prior to the crash, as well as talking on a cell phone when she struck the two pedestrians crossing the road. Police reports state that the victim who is now in a coma pushed her friend further away from impact during the accident, saving the other pedestrian from more critical injury.

According to reports, the offender dodged the police for several days after the incident before she was caught and arrested; a jury convicted her in only one hour during a June court session. In addition to the penalty of incarceration, the judge also advocated that the convicted woman’s driver’s license be taken away forever.

The courtroom hearings for the case were emotionally charged, as family members of the victims spoke of utmost loss, as well as the millions of dollars in continuing medical bills related to the accident. If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, call the Brooklyn pedestrian accident lawyers at Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP at 212-986-7353 for a free case consultation today. We can help protect your rights and endure that negligent parties are held liable.

An elderly Manhattan woman was killed and her daughter injured after they were struck by a motorist rushing to get into a parking spot, according to a story in The New York Daily News. The driver of an SUV was attempting to back into a parking spot when he struck the two women walking together. Although nearby witnesses shouted for the driver to stop, he crashed into the women, throwing the older lady back and causing her massive head trauma. The younger woman suffered broken ribs. An ambulance transported both women to a local hospital, but the elderly lady’s injuries proved fatal and she died soon after arriving at the hospital. The driver of the SUV does not have a current driver’s license and was arrested. He is expected to be charged with driving with a suspended license.

According to data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2009, 4,092 pedestrians were killed and approximately 59,000 were injured in traffic accidents in the United States. That means that on average a pedestrian was killed every two hours and injured every nine minutes. While these numbers are sobering, fatalities have actually decreased 7 percent from 2008 and 14 percent from 2000. However, the injuries associated with pedestrian accidents are often very serious.

When injuries are caused by the negligence of a motorist, they must be held responsible for their actions. The Manhattan pedestrian injury accident lawyers at Wingate, Rusotti and Shapiro, LLP, understand the needs of our clients and will fight aggressively in the courtroom for your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed by a negligent driver, contact the attorneys at Wingate, Rusotti and Shapiro, LLP, today. For a free consultation, call 212-222-4336.

According to an article in The New York Times, a pedestrian was hit and killed by an SUV in Brooklyn on June 16. The pedestrian was a 91-year-old man who was crossing the street at an intersection when a Nissan Pathfinder made a right turn and struck him. According to police, the driver of the Pathfinder fled the scene.

Authorities say that moments after the initial crash, a second vehicle ran over the man as he lay in the street. The driver of the second car stopped and called for help. The man was taken by paramedics to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police are still looking for the driver of the Pathfinder.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 4,092 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. in 2009 (the most recent year for which statistics are available). In that same year, 72 percent of pedestrian deaths occurred in urban settings. Of pedestrian fatalities, 775 or 19 percent were people age 65 or older.

When a car strikes a pedestrian, the resulting injuries are often catastrophic, if not fatal. Hit-and-run drivers who cause injury or death to pedestrians due a huge disservice to their community and will most likely be found by authorities after an investigation is conducted.

The Brooklyn pedestrian accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti and Shapiro, LLP can help you get compensation you may be entitled to after an accident caused by another person’s negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a pedestrian accident, call our New York pedestrian accident lawyers today for a free consultation at 212-222-4336.

New York City’s Central and Prospect Parks have a regular traffic combination of walkers, runners, bicyclists, and, at the proper times, cars. However, pedestrians and bicyclists may have Central and Prospect Parks all to themselves if the recently introduced legislation by Councilwoman Gale Brewer passes.

According to NBCNewYork.com, the proposal would ban motor vehicle traffic from the six-mile loop in Manhattan’s Central Park, and the inside loop of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, in an effort to increase the amount of space and to increase pedestrian and cyclist safety. Although motor vehicles are currently only allowed in Prospect Park for 4 hours throughout the day (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.), those hours coincide with the before-work or after-work walk, run, or bike that many people take; thus the limited hours don’t do much for the safety of the active walkers, joggers, bikers, and inline skaters of the city.

According to a study performed by Transportation Alternatives, Central Park’s traffic volume has been found to be the lowest it has ever been, as opposed to the increasing recreational demands. The increase in recreational activities means a larger number of pedestrians and bicyclists, which, in turn, would result in more pedestrian accidents and bicycle accidents in New York should motor vehicles be allowed to continue using the Central Park loop.

Almost 50 percent of New York’s transportation-related deaths are caused by pedestrian accidents, according to a decade-long study by the New York City Department of Transportation. In a city such as New York, where there is an inordinate amount of foot traffic, it is essential that any and all measures are taken to ensure pedestrian safety. If you or a loved one are a victim of a New York pedestrian accident, a dedicated personal injury attorney can provide you with the legal advice you need.

The experienced Manhattan pedestrian accident lawyers of Wingate, Rusotti & Shapiro, LLP, have successfully handled various pedestrian injury cases. Our attorneys will work diligently to recover any losses or damages you or a loved one have suffered because of your injury. Call today for a free consultation at 1-212-222-4336.

New York is one of two states that have proposed new legislation that would prohibit pedestrians from using cell phones, MP3 players, and other electronics while walking or running, according to ABC News. Arkansas is also looking at a similar ban. Thirty states and the District of Columbia ban drivers from using cell phones and texting while driving and lawmakers are concerned that distracted pedestrians could be just as dangerous.

New York’s Democratic Senator has been working on the legislation since 2007, stating his concern over the abundance of pedestrians preoccupied with their electronics and not paying attention to their surroundings. Should this new law take effect, New York pedestrians would be prohibited from using electronic devices while crossing the street at a crosswalk in a city with more than one million people. Anyone found in violation of this law would be subject to a $100 civil fine.

According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, the first half of 2010 showed a slight increase in pedestrian fatalities when compared with data from 2009 during the same time period.

Both pedestrians and motorists share a responsibility when preventing New York pedestrian accidents. Even a pedestrian who is “fully aware” runs the risk of being involved in an accident with a negligent driver.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, it would be highly beneficial to consult with a New York pedestrian accident injury attorney like those at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP. We have successfully handled a wide variety of personal injury cases and understand the laws surrounding pedestrian accidents. If a driver’s negligence played a part in your accident, they may be held responsible for all related expenses, including medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, rehabilitation, and other damages. To learn more about your rights and options, contact Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro, LLP today at 212-986-7353 for a free and confidential consultation.

A 71-year-old Bronx resident lost his life in a pedestrian accident on Monday, January 10 according to The New York Daily News.

The man was walking through the parking lot of the Bartow Mall Shopping Center when he was struck by a Ford Focus driven by another elderly man. When the driver realized he had hit someone and got out of the car, he found the 71-year-old pinned under the vehicle. The man passed away before rescue workers could retrieve him.

Police did not charge the driver with a crime. The man’s son told police and The New York Daily News that he forgives the driver for the accident that killed his father.

Unfortunately, those who walk in the city face the almost constant risk of a New York pedestrian accident. The danger can be particularly high in parking lots, where a lack of clear traffic directions and large, paved open spaces often inspire drivers to cut across rows or pay little attention to the presence of people on foot.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact the experienced New York personal injury lawyers at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro. We will examine your case carefully, inform you of your legal rights and options, and help you fight for the compensation you and your family deserve. Call us today at 212-986-7353 to schedule a free and confidential case evaluation.

An 82-year-old woman was critically injured after she was struck by an unregistered and uninsured car. According to The Staten Island Advance, the elderly woman was attempting to cross Forest Avenue in West Brighton when she was struck by the car. One vehicle stopped for the pedestrian but a second vehicle, driven by a 20-year-old man with a history of license suspensions, failed to stop. The elderly woman is in critical condition from the New York pedestrian accident and the driver has been charged with driving with a suspended license.

While it is unclear what caused the driver to fail to yield right-of-way to the pedestrian, it is clear that the driver previously had his license suspended 16 times and was driving an uninsured vehicle. Victims of accidents involving uninsured drivers face complications when pursuing compensation for their injuries and losses. An experienced Staten Island pedestrian accident attorney can help accident victims understand their legal rights and what compensation may be available to them.

Victims of accidents involving uninsured and underinsured motorists may be able to seek compensation for damages from their own insurance company. In such cases, it is in the best interest of Staten Island injury victims to contact a skilled New York injury attorney to ensure that their rights are protected and that they receive adequate compensation for their losses.

The New York auto accident attorneys at Wingate, Russotti & Sapiro LLP understand how to deal with insurance companies following a car accident. If you have been injured as a result of a negligent driver, please call our offices at 212-986-7353 for a free consultation and comprehensive evaluation of your case.

A 5-year-old Bronx boy was critically injured in a New York car accident after he was struck by an SUV. According to a report in the New York Daily News, the pedestrian accident occurred on East 214th Street near Bronxwood Avenue. The driver reportedly hit the boy and dragged him 50 feet down the street and then left the scene of the accident. The boy was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Police are still looking for the hit-and-run driver.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Summary of Pedestrian/Motor Vehicle Accident report, there were 304 fatalities and 15,317 injuries reported as a result of pedestrian accidents in New York. Victims of pedestrian and motor vehicle crashes typically sustain serious injuries that result in substantial medical expenses, pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident in New York, remember, you have legal rights. Injured victims can seek compensation to cover medical expenses, hospitalization, surgery and other long-term treatment costs. You may be able to claim compensation through the uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage under your auto insurance policy in case of hit-and-run crashes where the driver is never located or identified.

Please call Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro LLP at 212-986-7353 to get more information about your legal rights and options. Our skilled Bronx personal injury lawyers have been serving injured victims of car accidents and their families for decades. Call us today for a free consultation.

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

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

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

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" »

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" »

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" »

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" »

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 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" »

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" »

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 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" »

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" »

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" »

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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" »

A report on the ny1.com website spotlights the story of Cecelia Torres 16, who is a member of Keystone Leadership club in East Harlem. Cecelia successfully petitioned the city’s department of transportation to install a traffic light on the intersection of 101st Street and Third Avenue. Without Cecilia’s concerted efforts to keep her neighborhood safe, the light would have never been installed, says the department of transportation.

Cecilia took it upon herself to write the department of transportation a letter after having almost been run over more than once in a pedestrian accident in New York. She noted that it was particularly scary trying to cross the street with younger children in tow.

Margaret Forgione, DOT Manhattan borough commissioner said, "We consider several factors, including accident history, average vehicle speeds, and the amount of pedestrians who cross the intersection each hour. Some requests never meet any of these warrants, but here at 101st and 3rd we determined the intersection was busy enough, during certain hours of the day, for the request to be granted."

Continue reading "Harlem Pedestrian Accidents Motivate Teen To Get Traffic Light Installed" »

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" »

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.

New York Daily News reported on September 27, 2008 that a bicyclist slammed into Nasreem Hossain, 38, mother of two, as she crossed a Brooklyn street.

The force of the impact from the Brooklyn pedestrian accident rendered her brain dead at the moment of collision. Six days after the incident her husband Howlader Hossain, 54, having lost all hope asked the doctors at Luthern Medical Centers to take his wife of fifteen years off life support.

Adding insult to this tragic NY pedestrian accident that caused irreparable brain damage is the police conclusion that no action would be taken against the 39 year bicyclist because Nasreem Hossain had walked against the light. "There should be a severe punishment," said Howlader Hossain, her husband. "This is not an accident. He could have moved out of the way."

If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident involving a bicyclist that resulted in serious damage including brain damage in New York please contact the New York auto accident lawyers at Wingate, Russotti, & Shapiro. They have been specializing in serious pedestrian accident cases for over 18 years and have a proven success record. Please call 212-222-4336 for a free and confidential consultation.

The New York Daily News Reported on September 27, 2008 that Clarente Turner, a first grader, was being walked home after school by his mother when the two of them were struck on a Kings Highway median at E. 95th St. in East Flatbush. Clarente died instantly. His mother, Shawna Spaulding, 26, was taken to Kings County Hospital and was listed in serious condition with head, neck, back and leg injuries.

Residents are demanding that city officials slow down traffic on the dangerous Brooklyn intersection due to the fact that there are two schools nearby. An Apartment superintendant said that “everyday you see little kids on the street and cars coming right at them”. Clarente attended Public School 219, a block from the scene of the crash. Intermediate School 252 is also a block from the intersection - where five years ago a drunken driver killed a woman. Residents near the Brooklyn pedestrian crash said individuals walking across the street - particularly children - need more time to get across Kings Highway. They complained that cars often speed to beat a red light there.

Continue reading "6 Year Old Killed At Intersection" »

The New York Daily News reported on September 22, that the doctors at Elmhurst Hospital Center have named the most dangerous roadways in the borough of Queens. While Queens Boulevard is infamously known as the “boulevard of death” many other streets in the borough have also been deemed hazardous.

"It just seemed disproportionately high compared to other places around the city," said Dr. Jamie Ullman, director of neurosurgery at Elmhurst. "It's not really getting much better."

They looked at 998 cases of people in the ER who had been struck by vehicles while trying to cross busy borough streets. One particular hot spot was Queens Blvd. and 63rd Drive intersection and Roosevelt Ave. in the area between 64th and 69th Sts., as well as Northern Blvd. near the Brooklyn- Queens Expressway. "The number of pedestrians on Roosevelt Ave. makes it kind of difficult for both drivers and pedestrians," said Ullman.
Anju Galer the hospital's trauma coordinator said "We initially thought it might be mostly school-aged students and elderly people," Galer said she was surprised to find out most of the accidents involved people between the ages of 30 and 60 between the hours of 7am to 3pm. Dr. Ullman and Dr. Galer urge public awareness. "We need to educate the pedestrians in our area to be very careful about crossing the streets," Ullman said.

Continue reading "Dangerous Roadways In Queens Named By Hospital" »

Two girls, who were walking to school in Ozone Park, were injured after they were both struck by a hit-and-run driver, according to an ABC News report. The two victims, both seventh grade students, were hit as they were crossing Rockaway Boulevard near 98th Street. One 11-year-old girl was taken to an area hospital and is said to be in stable condition, but the other girl reportedly suffered less serious injuries.

Officials say they have a video of the pedestrian accident, which shows the two girls being dropped off in the middle of the block with the parents waiting on the curb. The girls began to cross the street when suddenly a black car ran directly into them. Police are describing the hit-and-run vehicle as a black Nissan Altima, either a 2007 or 2008 model, which is missing its side mirror.

It is indeed a relief that the two girls are recovering from their injuries and that both did not suffer major injuries in this Queens pedestrian accident. We hope the hit-and-run driver is apprehended and that he or she is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The driver should also be held responsible for the accident and injuries caused to these two young girls.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a New York auto or pedestrian accident, please call a truly experienced attorney at Wingate, Russotti & Shapiro for a free consultation. An auto accident is often costly for victims who have to deal with medical bills, cost of medication and in many cases, loss of wages. We will fight for your legal rights and help you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.