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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accident-scene-1Following the recent tragic incident in Brooklyn, where a speeding Mercedes-Benz collided with a garbage truck, resulting in the untimely death of the car’s driver, it is crucial to explore the legal and safety aspects surrounding such accidents, especially those involving private carting companies.

At around 12:30 a.m. in Gerritsen Beach, a 54-year-old driver for Cogent Waste Solutions was executing a U-turn when the collision occurred. The Mercedes driver, 42-year-old Patrick Donovan, did not survive the impact. This incident exposes the dangers posed by private garbage haulers in New York City. Historically, these companies have been scrutinized for their operational methods.

As garbage truck accident lawyers in New York City, it is important to highlight the legal complexities in such cases. While the garbage truck driver did not face immediate charges, and Cogent Waste Solutions has expressed cooperation with the ongoing investigation, the key questions revolve around the operational practices of private carting companies and the responsibility they bear in ensuring public safety.

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Stockholm and Irving in Brooklyn location of the deadly hit and runA passenger is dead and 3 other people are in critical condition after two cars collided in Brooklyn in the early hours of Monday morning. The accident was captured by surveillance cameras and showed three individuals fleeing the scene of the accident.

Surveillance footage shows a Toyota cautiously approaching and then partially crossing Stockholm Street’s intersection. Then, a Kia, speeding along Irving Avenue, collided with the Toyota. The force of the impact was so severe that both vehicles spun out of control, striking a nearby suburban vehicle with such intensity that it was pushed onto the curb.

Shortly after the accident at around 12:45 a.m., emergency responders arrived at the scene. Four individuals from the Toyota were rushed to Elmhurst Hospital. Sadly, a male passenger succumbed to his injuries, while two others, aged 34 and 29, remain in critical condition. The 26-year-old driver of the Toyota, now in stable condition, faces charges for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

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Jessica was injured in a car accidentLast Thursday night, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas in Queens, a well-known advocate for safer streets, became a victim of the very issue she has been fighting against. While crossing 78th Street near 35th Avenue in Jackson Heights, she was struck by a driver, resulting in a broken arm, bruises, and undoubtedly, a shaken belief in the safety of her community’s streets.

The driver, who was making a left turn, failed to yield, knocking González-Rojas to the ground. Although the driver was not speeding, which possibly prevented more severe injuries or fatal consequences, the accident raises significant concerns about visibility and road safety in urban intersections.

González-Rojas pointed out the poor visibility at the intersection, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective daylighting—a method that improves visibility by keeping corners clear of parked cars. This incident underscores the critical need for such safety measures in urban planning and road design.

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Carrie Bernans was injured in the car accident on new years EveThe New Year’s Day car accident in Midtown Manhattan, involving Mohamed Alaouie, a 44-year-old from Fort Lee, NJ, presents a harrowing scenario of chaos and danger . In a disturbing sequence of events, Alaouie, engaged in a dispute with his girlfriend, attracted the attention of police officers. His subsequent actions led to a reckless driving spree, resulting in injuries to two police officers and four pedestrians including actress Carrie Bernans, (picture) as well as significant property damage (see video below). Additionally, a significant amount of crack cocaine was found in his vehicle, further complicating the legal landscape.

Legal Implications for the Victims

The victims of this tragic event face a complex web of legal considerations. Here’s how the law may apply in their situation:

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Some Tesla vehicles are being recalledTesla, the electric vehicle pioneer, is recalling more than 2 million vehicles in the United States. This recall comes after a thorough investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that Tesla’s Autopilot safety system was “not sufficient to prevent driver misuse.”

The recall affects a wide range of Tesla models, including the 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2023 Model X, 2017-2023 Model 3, and 2020-2023 Model Y, all equipped with Autosteer, a feature that Tesla describes as “traffic-aware cruise control.” According to the recall notice, in certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse.

Autosteer is designed to maintain speed, detect lane markings, and monitor the presence of other vehicles. However, Tesla emphasizes that drivers must keep their hands on the steering wheel and be prepared to take immediate action while using the feature.

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Car Accident NYAs car accident lawyers, the recent report by AAA Northeast highlighting the alarming increase in fatal crashes involving senior drivers in New York State is both concerning and a call to action. The findings, which show the highest number since 2013, point towards a critical need for addressing the unique challenges faced by older drivers on the road.

The AAA Northeast report reveals a troubling trend: 214 fatal crashes in New York last year involved drivers aged 65 and older. This statistic is not just a number; it represents lives lost and families forever changed.

The report cites failure to yield, improper lane changes, unsafe speed, and distracted driving as primary contributors to these tragic accidents. These factors are not exclusive to senior drivers, but they can have more severe consequences for this age group due to factors like slower reaction times and physical frailty.

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Parking spaces close to intersections can be dangerous to pedestriansMayor Eric Adams’ recent announcement to remove parking spots from 1,000 New York City intersections annually represents a significant stride towards enhancing pedestrian safety. This move, essential for protecting pedestrians from drivers, comes in the wake of several tragic traffic incidents, including the heart-wrenching losses of a 3-year-old boy in Queens and 7-year-old Kamari Hughes in Brooklyn.

As pedestrian accident attorneys, we see firsthand the aftermath of traffic accidents and understand the importance of proactive measures to prevent them. The “daylighting” initiative – the strategy behind this move – aims to improve driver visibility at intersections, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents. It’s a commendable effort to prioritize pedestrian safety in urban planning.

Despite these efforts, New York City’s streets remain perilous. This year alone, over 225 traffic-related fatalities, including 82 pedestrians and 27 cyclists, have been reported. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives lost and families shattered.

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Location of the fatal hit and run accidentAs pedestrian accident lawyers, we have seen the devastating aftermath of road accidents far too often. The recent tragedy involving Yvonne Sandiford, a cherished 79-year-old Brooklyn resident, is a reminder that our streets are failing the most vulnerable among us.

The accident, which unfolded on a dangerous street in Bedford-Stuyvesant, involved not one, but two hit-and-run drivers. It is a grim portrayal of the violence that can occur on our roads — violence that should be met with the same urgency and prevention as any other act of violence in our society.

It is deeply troubling that this fatal crash occurred within what is designated as a Senior Pedestrian Zone — areas where the city has pledged to enhance safety for older residents. Yet, the intersection of Herkimer Street and New York Avenue, notorious for being perilous, had seen no safety upgrades. This is not just a failure of infrastructure but a failure of duty to protect those who are most at risk.

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location of the car crash on 47th street and Queens BoulevardThe legal world frequently encounters instances of repeat offenders, individuals who, despite having faced the consequences of their actions, find themselves entangled with the law again. The story of Michael Moreno from Stormville, NY, is one such  reminder.

In October 2015, Gabriela Aguilar-Vallinos, a dedicated waitress, was fatally struck while cycling home from work. The individual behind the wheel, Michael Moreno, did not stop. After two weeks of silence, Moreno turned himself in to the authorities. His decision to wait meant that key evidence, such as alcohol involvement, was lost.

The court found Moreno guilty of criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of an accident. He was sentenced to six years in prison, providing some solace to Gabriela’s grieving family and the community.

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Location of the fatal NYPD tow truck accidentYesterday morning, a 7-year-old boy lost his life in Brooklyn, NYC, after being struck by a New York Police Department (NYPD) tow truck. The accident occurred at the northern border of Fort Greene Park.

The collision occurred at approximately 7:45 a.m. when the young boy and his mother crossed Myrtle Avenue in a marked crosswalk. The tow truck driver, identified as Stephanie Sharp, a 54-year-old traffic enforcement agent with the NYPD, attempted to make a right turn onto North Portland Avenue and tragically struck the boy, who was on his way to school. Despite the swift arrival of emergency medical workers, they were unable to save the young life, and the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Legal consequences