Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is a New York Plaintiff's personal injury law firm specializing in automobile accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, products liability, police misconduct and all types of New York personal injury litigation.

Articles Posted in Auto Accidents

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A 65-ylocation of the fatal Bronx truck accidentear-old woman was fatally struck by a flatbed truck while crossing Franklin Avenue at East 169th Street in the Bronx on Monday morning. The devastating collision, which occurred just minutes after she visited a local bodega, underscores the persistent dangers pedestrians face on New York City streets—especially in areas with high truck traffic.

Surveillance footage (see video below) revealed that the victim, who used a cane and walked with a limp, was in the crosswalk when the truck began to move forward. As a yellow cab made a turn, the truck—seemingly preparing for a wide right turn—rolled over the woman, pinning her under its front right wheel. Despite frantic efforts from bystanders to alert the driver, the impact proved fatal. Emergency responders rushed the woman to Lincoln Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

The 43-year-old truck driver remained at the scene and has not been charged as of now, but police continue to investigate. According to records, the truck has accumulated multiple traffic violations in recent years, including red-light infractions and speeding in a school zone—raising serious concerns about the vehicle’s history and the driver’s responsibility.

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ChildFatalitiesGothamStyleUPDATEDAs NYC car accident lawyers, we see firsthand the devastating consequences of reckless driving and inadequate enforcement. The latest Transportation Alternatives report confirms what we have long argued: New York City is failing to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and children from preventable crashes.

For years, we have fought for victims and their families—securing compensation for their injuries and losses—but legal remedies alone cannot prevent tragedies. The real solution lies in stronger enforcement, better infrastructure, and holding repeat offenders accountable before they cause harm.

Why Legal Accountability Matters

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A 95-year-old woman who survived some of history’s most devastating events, including the Nazi occupation of Ukraine, the Chernobyl disaster, and the COVID-19 pandemic, lost her life in a tragic car accident on a Brooklyn street.

Mayya Gil was fatally struck by a cargo van on Cropsey Avenue near her Bensonhurst home while walking with her home health aide on Thursday afternoon. Despite her incredible resilience through decades of hardship, her life was cut short in a preventable traffic collision.location of the deadly Brooklyn Car Accident

The Incident

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FDNY_Ambulance_048A devastating car accident in Jamaica, Queens, on January 21, 2025, serves as a grim reminder of the dangers on our roads and the potential risks for property owners. A 63-year-old driver lost his life after his Toyota RAV4 collided with 3 garages,  burying a parked Toyota Prius under the rubble.

This tragic incident, which occurred around 5:20 a.m. at 90th Ave. and 143rd St., underscores how quickly a routine drive can turn fatal. For victims and their families, accidents like these often raise questions about fault, liability, and legal recourse.

Details of the Crash

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NYPD Chase LawyersAs police chase accident lawyers, we are encouraged by the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) recent policy change aimed at reducing high-speed pursuits. Effective February 1, 2025, the NYPD will limit vehicle chases to suspects involved in serious and violent crimes, excluding pursuits for traffic infractions, violations, and non-violent misdemeanors.

This policy shift comes in response to a significant increase in police pursuits and the associated risks to public safety. In 2024, the NYPD conducted 2,278 vehicle pursuits, with approximately 25% resulting in collisions, property damage, or physical harm. Notably, about two-thirds of these chases originated from traffic stops, which will no longer warrant pursuits under the new guidelines.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that the department’s enforcement efforts should not place the public or officers at undue risk. She highlighted that modern policing tools enable the apprehension of suspects more safely and effectively, rendering many high-speed pursuits unnecessary.

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The recent transformation of 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens, from a two-way street to a one-way thoroughfare has sparked significant debate among local residents and commuters. Implemented by the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT), this change aims to enhance safety for cyclists by establishing a dedicated bike boulevard along a 1.1-mile stretch from Steinway Street to Vernon Boulevard.

Community Perspectives

Cyclists have expressed appreciation for the redesign, noting an increased sense of security and a greater inclination to use bicycles for daily commutes. Unidirectional traffic simplifies street crossing and reduces potential hazards.

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children going to school in NYCAs New York City car accident lawyers, we commend Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent proposal to prohibit parking within 20 feet of crosswalks in elementary school zones throughout the five boroughs. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety by improving visibility for both drivers and young students, thereby reducing the risk of traffic-related accidents near schools.

Currently, New York State law mandates a 20-foot no-parking zone adjacent to crosswalks—a practice known as “daylighting”—to ensure clear sightlines at intersections. However, New York City has historically exercised a carveout, allowing it to set its own regulations regarding parking near crosswalks. The city’s existing rules prohibit parking within the crosswalk itself but permit it directly next to these pedestrian pathways, often resulting in obstructed views for both drivers and pedestrians.

Governor Hochul’s proposal seeks to align the city’s policy with the state’s standard, specifically targeting areas surrounding elementary schools. By eliminating parking within 20 feet of crosswalks in these zones, the initiative strives to create safer walking conditions for children commuting to and from school. This measure is particularly significant given that New York City is home to over 1,800 public and charter schools, many of which serve students up to the fifth grade.

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schoolbus1A devastating crash involving a dumpster truck, a school bus, and an SUV occurred Tuesday in Old Westbury, Long Island, leaving two children and several others injured. The accident, which took place on Post Road near the Long Island Expressway service road, underscores the catastrophic consequences of commercial vehicle collisions.

What Happened in Old Westbury?

According to Old Westbury Police Chief Stuart Cameron, the crash began when a dumpster truck carrying a heavy load of ripped-up asphalt lost its brakes. Unable to stop at a red light, the truck overturned and struck both a small school bus and an SUV. The collision crushed the front corner of the school bus, shattered its windshield, and severely damaged the passenger side of the SUV.

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Location of the Brooklyn Car Accident on Nostrand Ave and Kings HighwayOn New Year’s Eve, a terrifying car accident occurred at the busy intersection of Kings Highway in Midwood, Brooklyn, when a car plowed into two women and their children as they crossed the street. The crash, captured on video, shows the harrowing moment when two women and a young child were struck, with baby carriages sent flying across the intersection.

Thankfully, the victims – both women and a 1-year-old boy – were transported to Maimonides Hospital and treated for minor injuries. However, this incident raises urgent questions about pedestrian safety in high-traffic intersections across Brooklyn.

Driver Accountability and Ongoing Investigation

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car-accident-scene-in-Manhattan-scaled-e1735862450680As New York City pedestrian accident lawyers, we have witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of an increasingly dangerous urban environment for walkers. While the city proudly touts its walkability and its Vision Zero program aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, 2024 saw a troubling surge in pedestrian deaths, highlighting gaps in safety measures that demand immediate attention.

Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise

According to a recent article in the New York Times, City data reveals an 18% increase in pedestrian fatalities in 2024 compared to 2023. This surge comes despite a slight overall decline in traffic deaths. Notable incidents, such as the tragic Christmas Day crash in Midtown that injured six pedestrians, underscore the persistent hazards on New York’s streets.