According to the NYPD, the first collision occurred just after midnight in the southbound lanes near East Gun Hill Road. Police say a 21-year-old driver of a Mercedes sedan changed lanes and struck a Volkswagen, which then hit a guardrail. The Mercedes continued in the right lane, colliding with two men on scooters. Both riders, ages 23 and 21, were ejected and fatally injured.
A secondary crash followed moments later when three other vehicles attempted to avoid the traffic caused by the initial pile-up. All southbound traffic was diverted at East 233rd Street until the roadway reopened around 8:30 a.m. Drivers were urged to take the Major Deegan Expressway as an alternate route.
Our Attorneys Know the Bronx River Parkway — and Its History of Tragic Crashes
This is far from the first time the Bronx River Parkway has been the scene of a catastrophic accident. Our Bronx car accident lawyers have extensive experience litigating cases involving crashes on this notoriously dangerous stretch of road. In fact, our firm previously represented the estates of five victims in one of the deadliest accidents in the parkway’s history.
In that earlier case, an SUV veered off the elevated southbound roadway at East 180th Street and was launched over a low curb, falling nearly 60 feet onto the Bronx Zoo grounds. Seven people were killed. Our investigation revealed that the hazardous roadway design — including narrow lanes, the absence of shoulders, and a curb structure that could propel vehicles over the edge — had been documented by city and state agencies for decades.
We fought to hold the responsible parties accountable, arguing that the parkway’s outdated infrastructure and noncompliance with safety standards were key factors in the tragedy.
Holding Negligent Drivers and Dangerous Roadway Owners Accountable
Whether a crash is caused by reckless driving, poor road maintenance, or hazardous design, victims and their families deserve justice. In Monday’s incident, police are still investigating, and the Mercedes driver has been taken into custody. But legal responsibility can extend beyond an at-fault driver — especially when dangerous roadway conditions contribute to a crash.
Our attorneys combine a deep understanding of Bronx traffic patterns and roadway design flaws with the trial experience necessary to take on both negligent drivers and the city or state agencies responsible for keeping our roads safe.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a collision on the Bronx River Parkway or anywhere in the Bronx, contact Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf at 212-943-1090 for a free consultation.