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 Bus Accidents

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NYC accident sceneShawn Gooding, a resident of the East Village, tragically lost his life on Friday night after being struck by an MTA bus at the intersection of Avenue D and East 10th Street. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised significant legal questions and concerns, particularly regarding accountability and liability.

As wrongful death attorneys, it’s crucial to examine the events leading up to Gooding’s untimely demise. Reports suggest that Gooding tripped into the street and was subsequently struck by the bus, which allegedly continued driving after the collision. Despite efforts by EMS, Gooding succumbed to his injuries at NYC Health + Hospital Bellevue.

The legal implications of this incident are multifaceted

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location of the crash between a car and a MTA bus in BKLast Monday night, a Mercedes-Benz, reportedly running a steady red light at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Lorimer Street in Williamsburg, collided with an MTA bus. The impact was so severe that it sent the Mercedes careening onto a nearby sidewalk, where it struck a CitiBike rack. Alex Caba-Gutierrez, a passenger in the Mercedes, was ejected onto the street, suffering fatal injuries.  The driver and another passenger fled the scene, leaving behind a scene of chaos and unanswered questions. The bus driver and a passenger were injured and transported to the hospital.

The Legal Challenges of Hit-and-Run Accidents

Hit-and-run accidents pose unique legal challenges, primarily due to the difficulty of holding the responsible party accountable when they have fled the scene. Victims and their families often feel helpless and unsure of their next steps. This is where a hit-and-run accident lawyer becomes indispensable. Specializing in these types of cases, these lawyers possess the expertise to navigate the complexities of the legal system, ensuring that victims’ rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

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location of the fatal NY school bus accidentAn 8-year-old boy died after being struck by a school bus in New Square, NY, last Monday morning.  The boy was walking home from school when the school bus struck him near the intersection of Clinton Lane and Stern Street. The Ramapo Police, led by Police Lt. Blaine Howell, reported that despite the rapid response of EMS workers, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The bus driver, who stayed and cooperated with police, now faces the harrowing aftermath of this devastating event.

This incident underscores a grim reality that too many communities face: the ever-present danger to our children on their journeys to and from school. As legal professionals specializing in school bus accidents, we have seen the profound impact these tragedies have on families and communities. They raise critical questions about road safety, school transportation protocols, and the measures we take to protect our most vulnerable.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Team is currently investigating the specifics of this accident. These investigations are crucial, not only for providing clarity and closure to grieving families but also for identifying systemic issues that may contribute to such tragedies. It is through understanding these details that legal professionals can advocate for necessary changes, seeking justice for victims while working towards preventative measures to ensure no family endures similar heartache.

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NYC school busA recent accident involving a school bus, an SUV, and a parked Lexus on the eastbound Nassau Expressway near Van Wyck Expressway in Queens has once again brought to light the critical issue of road safety, especially concerning school buses. The incident, which occurred just before noon on Monday, resulted in serious injuries to two individuals and involved about 20 students.

According to the FDNY, the accident began when a 60-year-old SUV driver, attempting to merge lanes, side-swiped a school bus operated by Meir Transport LLC. This collision led to a subsequent crash involving a parked Lexus, with a 62-year-old man inside, near John F. Kennedy International Airport. Thankfully, the injuries sustained by the drivers were not life-threatening, and the students on the bus, along with others involved, refused medical attention.

Legal Implications and Liability

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Location of the fatal school bus accident in Queens NYCA 73-year-old Bronx woman, Maria Rodriguez, lost her life after being struck by a school bus in Queens, NY. This tragic event occurred just moments after she had dropped off her grandchildren at school, marking a devastating day for her family and the entire community.

Maria Rodriguez was attempting to cross 86th Street in Queens at around 7:30 a.m. when she was hit by a school bus making a left turn from 107th Avenue in Ozone Park. Despite the efforts of first responders, she was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Maria Rodriguez was a beloved mother and grandmother, the pillar of her family, known for her vivacity and joy. Her grandson, Joel Rodriguez, described her as the heart of the family, the one who would bring everyone together.

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Imagine the unthinkable pain of losing a child in a tragic school bus accident, only to later discover that the school had chosen a bus company listed as “unacceptable” by state authorities. The shock, anger, and heartbreak that follow such a revelation are unimaginable. In the wake of the recent Orange County, New York bus crash involving Regency Transportation, grieving parents are left grappling with this devastating truth, questioning the choices made by the educational institutions responsible for their children’s safety.

Bus operators on the state’s list of unacceptable operators may still continue to operate, but they face heightened scrutiny and more rigorous inspections from state authorities. This added level of oversight is designed to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent further accidents. The bus involved in the tragic crash had recently been acquired by Regency Transportation in the summer. Surprisingly, the New York Department of Transportation had already inspected it twice before the accident occurred. Both inspections resulted in a passing grade, indicating that the bus met the necessary safety standards. However, this does not tell the whole story.

History of Failed Inspections

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The Brooklyn NYC intersection where the bus collided with the cyclistA school bus and a 44-year-old bicyclist were both traveling in the same direction along Fort Hamilton Parkway when the bus made a right turn onto 41st Street, resulting in the back of the bus striking the cyclist. Despite the immediate response of the bus driver, the bicyclist succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock.

Local residents and witnesses to the accident expressed their condolences for the victim’s family and voiced their concerns about the safety of this particular intersection. They highlighted the area’s reputation as a busy and potentially dangerous spot for both cyclists and motorists alike. Instances like this underscore the urgency of addressing safety concerns on our roads.

In the aftermath of such a tragic incident, investigations are launched to determine the exact cause of the collision. Bicycle accident lawyers play a pivotal role in assisting victims and their families during this challenging time. They:

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accident sceneA bus carrying 40 students from Farmingdale High School and four adults tumbled down a 50-foot ravine on Interstate 84 in Orange County, New York. The accident resulted in the tragic deaths of Gina Pellettiere, 43, and Beatrice Ferrari, 77. Additionally, several students sustained serious injuries, with five in critical condition. More than 40 individuals were injured in total.

Preliminary information suggests that a failure of a front tire may have contributed to the accident. However, a comprehensive investigation is underway to determine the exact causes and identify potential liabilities. In cases like this, multiple parties may be held responsible, including the bus company, the driver, and even the tire manufacturer if a defective tire is found to be a contributing factor.

How Can a Bus Accident Lawyer Help?

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Double_Decker Bus_TopViewA devastating bus collision that occurred in Manhattan last Thursday left  numerous individuals injured. Initial investigations conducted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) have revealed that a double-decker tour bus, operated by Topview NYC, was speeding when it collided with an MTA bus at the intersection of 1st Ave and E. 23rd Street.

Eyewitness accounts vividly described the  moment when the MTA bus was struck by the speeding tour bus. The sheer force of the impact shattered the windows of the tour bus, leaving no doubt about the severity of the accident. Prompt response from first responders helped free passengers trapped inside the tour bus and provided immediate aid to those injured on both buses. In total, 36 individuals were transported to nearby hospitals, while 10 others received treatment at the accident scene.

Expressing deep concern, MTA President Richard Davey highlighted the reckless driving behavior exhibited by the tour bus operator. Preliminary findings indicate that the tour bus ran a red light, striking the MTA bus not once, but twice, before ultimately rebounding. The excessive speed at which the tour bus was traveling only exacerbates the gravity of the situation. Such irresponsible actions behind the wheel put innocent lives at risk and demand accountability.

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11 crashes injuring 6 occur at Essex and New Lots Ave since April 2023Reckless driving continues to pose a significant risk to public safety in New York City, with recent incidents serving as alarming reminders of the consequences of irresponsible behavior behind the wheel. One such incident occurred at the intersection of Essex St. and New Lots Ave. in East New York, where an unlicensed driver triggered a chain-reaction crash involving an MTA bus, injuring 14 people, including the passenger of the unlicensed driver, who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

In addition to addressing the issue of reckless driving, it is essential to examine the dangerous conditions of intersections lacking traffic lights, which contribute to the heightened risk

At the aforementioned intersection, the collision occurred due to the reckless actions of an unlicensed driver. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the absence of traffic lights and reliance solely on stop signs exacerbates the dangers present at this location. Intersections without traffic lights demand heightened caution and adherence to traffic rules from all road users, as they rely on visual cues to determine right-of-way. Without clear signals, accidents become more likely, particularly when combined with reckless driving behaviors. The intersection of Essex and New Lots Avenue has a history of crashes. Over the last three years, between April 2020 and April 2023, 11 crashes occurred at this dangerous intersection, and six people suffered injuries as a result of these accidents. The illustration from Crash Mapper on the left shows that New Lots Avenue is a dangerous street and also clearly indicates that the intersection with Essex Street has a higher risk of accidents than any other intersection on the same Avenue.