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 Pedestrian Accidents

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Queens Boulevard, once notoriously dubbed “the Boulevard of Death,” has seen a remarkable turnaround. In 1997, this street was a pedestrian nightmare, claiming 18 lives. However, since Vision Zero’s implementation in 2014, fatalities have drastically reduced, with some years witnessing zero deaths.

ThAtlantic Avenueis transformation didn’t happen by chance. It was the result of a concerted effort by the city, involving adjustments in pedestrian signal timings, road safety improvements, and the introduction of bike lanes. These measures not only enhanced safety but also fostered a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment.

However, Atlantic Avenue tells a different story. Despite being another major NYC artery, it hasn’t received the same level of attention or intervention. The result is alarming: in the last decade, Atlantic Avenue has witnessed 40 traffic deaths, a number four times higher than that of Queens Boulevard. This stark contrast exemplifies the uneven application of Vision Zero across the city.

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Bronx location of the fatal hit and run accidentLourdes Camilo, a Bronx resident, was fatally injured in a hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Melrose Avenue and East 156th Street. This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the consequences of traffic law violations. It also reflects on the necessity for enhanced pedestrian protection measures.

The involvement of two vehicles – a white SUV that fled and a green Jeep Cherokee that stayed – brings forth different legal considerations.

1. Liability in Hit-and-Run: The driver of the white SUV, who left the scene, is subject to significant legal ramifications under New York law. Fleeing the scene of an accident, particularly one involving fatality, is a criminal offense.

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the intersection where the reckless driver killed the pedestrianXiaohong Chen, a 52-year-old pedestrian, was tragically struck and killed by a Dodge Ram pickup truck in Dyker Heights.

The driver, known for a long history of speeding and recklessness, as indicated by the numerous speed camera violations, made an illegal turn, leading to this fatal incident. Despite the driver’s alarming record and the presence of a vanity plate that ironically reads ‘NDRTAKER’, no immediate charges were filed (read more in Streetblog about the reckless driver).

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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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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 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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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