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 Drunk Driving Accidents

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drunk drivingAs attorneys representing victims of drunk driving car accidents, we see firsthand the devastating consequences impaired drivers leave behind. With Memorial Day marking the start of what safety officials call the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer,” heightened DWI enforcement efforts are not only timely—they’re necessary.

This year, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office awarded $30,000 DWI enforcement grants to both the Long Beach and Freeport Police Departments. The goal: reduce the number of impaired drivers on Long Island’s roads during peak summer months through stepped-up patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and targeted DWI initiatives.

Why the Summer DWI Crackdown Matters

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Fatal Queens Car Accident LocationA tragic crash in East Elmhurst, Queens, claimed the life of 23-year-old Justin Diaz after a Mercedes, allegedly driven by an intoxicated FDNY firefighter, sped through a red light and violently T-boned his BMW. The fatal collision, which occurred at 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of 107th St. and Northern Blvd., was caught on surveillance video (see below) and has since led to the arrest of 28-year-old firefighter Michael Pena, who now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Surveillance Footage Captures High-Speed Impact

Chilling video footage shows Diaz traveling north on 107th St. before entering the intersection, moments before the Mercedes, moving at high speed, plows into his vehicle’s driver’s side. The force of the crash sent both cars spinning across Northern Blvd., with the BMW ultimately slamming into a parked Toyota Sienna.

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DRUNK DRIVER STOPPED BY POLICEAs the holiday season approaches, the risk of car accidents due to drunk and reckless driving significantly increases. At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we recognize the critical importance of Vision Zero initiatives to enhance public safety on New York City streets. The Adams Administration’s recent announcement of stepped-up enforcement against speeding and driving while intoxicated (DWI) during the winter holidays is a timely and necessary response to the ongoing dangers posed by impaired driving.

Heightened Enforcement to Save Lives

The NYPD, in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), has announced an aggressive campaign to target drivers who endanger others by speeding or driving under the influence. Increased patrols, speed enforcement using advanced technology, and focused DWI checkpoints will be implemented throughout the city’s busiest areas. These efforts are aimed at preventing tragedies like the July 4th crash on the Lower East Side, where an intoxicated driver killed four pedestrians.

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location of the Queens drunk driving accidentEarly Sunday morning, a suspected drunk driver caused a head-on collision with an FDNY ladder truck at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 115th Street in Richmond Hill, Queens. This incident underscores the severe risks posed by impaired driving, not only to the driver but also to others sharing the road.

Details of the Collision

Jimmy Lealecheverria, a 41-year-old driver from Harrison, New Jersey, was behind the wheel of a white panel van traveling eastbound on Jamaica Avenue when the crash occurred. The van collided with Ladder Co. 143, which was stationary and facing westbound at the time.

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Location of the deadly Brooklyn Bike Accident on Union Street and Lynch StreetOn Sunday morning, Luis Mendez, a 46-year-old cyclist, was struck and killed by a van driver on Union Avenue in Brooklyn. The driver, identified as 40-year-old Can Homer, was allegedly operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol and without a valid driver’s license. This devastating event highlights the serious and ongoing issue of road safety for cyclists in New York City, particularly in Brooklyn.

The Legal Ramifications of Bicycle Accidents in Brooklyn

When a cyclist is injured or killed in an accident, the legal landscape can be complex, but it is crucial for justice to be pursued. In this case, the driver, Can Homer, has been charged with multiple serious offenses, including vehicular manslaughter, driving while intoxicated, and driving without a license. These charges carry significant legal consequences, and the pursuit of justice for the victim and his family will likely involve a thorough investigation and litigation process.

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Kerry And her Son EliIn a tragic car accident that highlights the deadly consequences of driving under the influence, a 9-year-old boy was tragically killed by his own mother after she drove the wrong way on Long Island’s Southern State Parkway while allegedly intoxicated. The devastating frontal collision, which involved multiple vehicles, occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning and has left a community in mourning as the legal implications for the mother, who now faces serious charges, unfold.

The crash took place around 2:20 a.m. near exit 42 in Islip. The driver, 32-year-old Kerri Bedrick, allegedly under the influence, was driving in the wrong direction for approximately five miles before the fatal collision occurred. According to police reports, a Suffolk County sheriff’s patrol officer had spotted Bedrick’s vehicle earlier and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, Bedrick allegedly sped up, evading the officer and continuing her wrong-way journey, which ended in a horrific head-on crash.

The collision was so severe that parts of the vehicle were found in the woods, a testament to the sheer force of the impact. Tragically, her 9-year-old son, Eli, who was seated in the back of the car, succumbed to his injuries despite the valiant efforts of first responders.

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The Hawaii Nail Spa in Deer Park where the accident occurredThe recent tragedy in Deer Park, Long Island, where a drunk driver crashed into a nail salon, killing four and injuring nine, underscores the devastating impact of drunk driving. As car accident lawyers, we are committed to representing victims of such reckless behavior, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

On June 28, Steven Schwally, a 64-year-old retiree, drove his SUV at an alarming speed of 78 mph before crashing into the Hawaii Nail & Spa store. The collision resulted in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including an off-duty NYPD officer, and left nine others injured. Schwally, with a blood alcohol content of 0.17, more than twice the legal limit, has been indicted on multiple charges, including murder and vehicular manslaughter.

This case is a stark reminder of the severe consequences of drunk driving. Schwally’s decision to drive under the influence, combined with his excessive speed, led to an unimaginable loss for the victims’ families. Prosecutors highlighted Schwally’s total disregard for public safety, emphasizing the depraved indifference to human life exhibited by his actions.

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drunk drivingOn June 28, Deer Park, Long Island, witnessed a tragic incident when an alleged drunk driver, Steven Schwally, crashed into the Hawaii Nail and Spa. This accident resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left nine others injured. The case brings to light several critical legal aspects surrounding drunk driving incidents.

Steven Schwally, 64, allegedly drove under the influence with a blood alcohol level of .17, more than twice the legal limit. This information was released on Friday by the NYPD. The crash resulted in the deaths of Meizi Zhang, Yan Xu, salon co-owner Jiancai Chen, and off-duty NYPD Officer Emilia Rennhack. Nine others, including a 12-year-old girl, sustained injuries.

Legal Proceedings

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Corlears-Hook-park-where-the-deadly-car-accint-occured-e1720473719458On the evening of July 4th, a tragic incident unfolded at Corlears Hook Park on the Lower East Side when Daniel Hyden, 44, allegedly drove his gray Ford F-150 into a crowd of people. The crash resulted in the deaths of Lucille Pinkney, 59, her son Hernan Pinkney, 38, and 43-year-old Ana Morel. Eight others were injured in the incident. According to reports, Hyden was driving under the influence of alcohol. He admitted to having a few drinks but refused a breathalyzer test. Additionally, Hyden’s driving privileges had been suspended due to his failure to answer four prior summonses.

Legal Perspective: What the Victims’ Families Can Do

In the wake of such a devastating event, the families of the victims are understandably seeking justice and compensation for their immense loss. Here are some legal avenues they can explore:

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drunk drivingIn a poignant day of justice and sorrow, two separate cases of drunk driving that resulted in five tragic deaths saw the perpetrators sentenced in Nassau County. The courtrooms were filled with emotional outpourings from grieving families, marking the end of a painful chapter but also a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence.

Case One: High-Speed Tragedy in Laurel Hollow

Sotirios Spanos, 33, was sentenced to seven to 21 years in prison for his reckless actions last August that claimed the lives of Ismenia and Odalis Urena, a young married couple. Spanos, intoxicated and speeding at nearly 100 mph, lost control on Northern Boulevard, crossing the yellow line and colliding with the couple’s Ferrari convertible.

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