Personal Injury

Published on: February 6, 2026

Dozens Arrested in New York Ghost Plate Crackdown — Why This Matters for Road Safety?

A six-month crackdown on illegal “ghost plates” across Long Island and New York City has resulted in 1,044 summonses, 57 arrests, and 20 vehicles impounded in Suffolk County, according to the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.

The enforcement effort was carried out by a multi-agency Ghost Plate Task Force that included the NYPD, MTA Police, Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments, and the New York City Sheriff’s Office.

From the perspective of our New York car accident attorneys, this operation addresses a serious and growing threat to public safety on New York roadways.

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Published on: February 3, 2026

Long Island Hit-and-Run That Killed One Brother and Critically Injured The Other Highlights the Severe Consequences of Leaving the Scene

By GGCRBHS&M

A Long Island man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that struck two brothers on the side of a Suffolk County roadway, killing one and leaving the other critically injured. The incident underscores the devastating consequences that follow when a driver leaves the scene of a serious crash and the legal options available to victims’ families under New York law.

According to Suffolk County police, Jonathan Shaver, 51, of Rocky Point, is accused of striking 31-year-old Edgar Meija and his 29-year-old brother, Omar Meija, shortly before 7 p.m. on Thursday near 1180 William Floyd Parkway in Shirley. The brothers were reportedly outside their vehicle changing a flat tire when Shaver’s 2012 Honda Accord struck them. Police say Shaver then fled the scene.

Edgar Meija was pronounced dead at the scene. His brother Omar was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he remained in critical condition as of Saturday morning.

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Published on: January 29, 2026

Fatal Bronx Gas Explosion Leads to Murder Charges After Stove Theft, Authorities Say

By GGCRBHS&M

A deadly gas explosion inside a Bronx NYCHA high-rise has led to murder and multiple felony charges, highlighting once again how preventable gas-related incidents can devastate entire buildings and communities.

According to law enforcement sources, a man has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly stealing a gas stove from an apartment at the Boston Secor Houses in Baychester—triggering a gas leak that caused a massive explosion and four-alarm fire. One resident was killed, and at least 14 others were injured.

As NYC gas explosion attorneys representing victims of serious personal injury in the Bronx, incidents like this raise critical legal questions about accountability, safety oversight, and the rights of residents harmed by dangerous conditions inside residential buildings.

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Published on: January 28, 2026

Ben Rubinowitz to Chair the Masters Series 2026 as Marijo C. Adimey Joins Renowned Faculty

By GGCRBHS&M

Ben Rubinowitz will once again serve as Chair of the Masters Series in 2026, one of New York’s most respected in-person trial advocacy programs. Marijo C. Adimey will join the program as a faculty member, continuing the firm’s long-standing leadership in advanced trial education.

The Masters Series 2026 will take place Thursday, February 12, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (ET) at Brooklyn Law School’s Forchelli Center.

This program brings together a select group of New York’s most accomplished trial lawyers—attorneys who, over decades, have consistently delivered exceptional verdicts in high-stakes litigation. Designed for experienced litigators, the seminar focuses on practical, courtroom-tested strategies that translate directly to real trials.

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Published on: January 26, 2026

Gov. Hochul’s Budget Proposals: Protecting the Rights of Legitimately Injured Auto Accident Victims

By GGCRBHS&M

Our attorneys are closely monitoring the Governor’s budget proposals concerning auto accident claims.

Any reform to New York’s insurance system must preserve the rights of legitimately injured auto accident victims to receive necessary medical care and fair and adequate compensation. Measures aimed at addressing staged accidents or fraudulent claims should not come at the expense of people who suffer real injuries through no fault of their own. New York already has criminal laws in place to prosecute false and fabricated claims; the answer is to enforce those laws—not to weaken protections for honest, injured New Yorkers.

New York’s civil justice system exists to ensure accountability and to protect injured individuals from bearing the financial consequences of negligence. We oppose any effort — whether direct or indirect — that would deprive injured victims of meaningful access to medical treatment or the ability to be fully compensated for their losses. Too often, insurance companies and large corporate interests are focused not on fairness, but on paying as little as possible on legitimate claims while maximizing profits. Using “fraud” as a broad brush to justify sweeping restrictions is simply a tactic that harms the “little guy” and shields wrongdoers from responsibility.

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Published on: January 26, 2026

Manhattan Doorman Killed in Head-On Crash Involving Off-Duty NYPD Sergeant Driving the Wrong Way on the Taconic State Parkway

By GGCRBHS&M

A New York Car Accident Attorney Explains the Legal Implications

A fatal wrong-way crash on the Taconic State Parkway has left a 61-year-old Manhattan doorman dead and raised serious legal questions that a New York car accident attorney would immediately recognize—particularly when a law enforcement officer is involved in a deadly collision.

According to New York State Police, the crash occurred Thursday night in Mount Pleasant, Westchester County. An off-duty NYPD sergeant allegedly drove southbound in the northbound lanes of the Taconic State Parkway and struck another vehicle head-on. The victim, Manuel Boitel, was pronounced dead at Westchester Medical Center.

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Published on: January 22, 2026

New York Personal Injury Attorney Richard Steigman to Lead NYSTLA Webinar on Recent Developments in New York Civil Practice

By GGCRBHS&M

Tonight, January 22, 2026, partner Richard M. Steigman of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf is serving as featured faculty for a live New York State Trial Lawyers Association (NYSTLA) webinar examining recent and consequential developments in New York Civil Practice.

The program begins at 5:00 p.m. ET and offers 3.0 Areas of Professional Practice CLE credits, approved for both transitional and non-transitional attorneys.

A Partner-Level Perspective on Civil Practice in New York

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Published on: January 20, 2026

New York Law Journal Reveals Key Trial Strategy Behind $182 Million Metro-North Settlement

By GGCRBHS&M

New-York-Metro-North-182-million-Facebook-Post

A newly published article in the New York Law Journal sheds further light on the more than $182 million settlement reached in litigation arising from the deadliest crash in Metro-North Railroad history — a case tried on behalf of approximately 30 plaintiffs by Ben Rubinowitz and Richard Steigman of the New York Personal Injury Law Firm of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf.

The settlement, benefiting families of five passengers killed and dozens of others injured, stems from the February 3, 2015 Metro-North collision at the Commerce Street crossing in Valhalla, Westchester County. Rubinowitz said that the individual settlements are confidential.

According to the New York Law Journal, Rubinowitz led the liability trial to ensure consistent verdicts across plaintiffs represented by multiple firms. The trial strategy centered on two critical failures: the train engineer’s decision not to slow despite uncertainty at the crossing, and a uniquely dangerous third rail design that turned the crash into an inferno-like event.

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Published on: January 16, 2026

Trying a Personal Injury Case in New York City: What Trial Readiness Really Means

By GGCRBHS&M

Trying a personal injury case in New York City is unlike litigating anywhere else in the state. The volume of cases, the sophistication of judges, and the expectations of juries demand a level of preparation that goes far beyond routine claims handling. In NYC, outcomes are driven by evidence, credibility, and a lawyer’s demonstrated willingness to take a case all the way to verdict.

New York City Is a True Trial Venue

Personal injury cases in New York City are litigated in a fast-moving, high-stakes environment. Judges expect tight pleadings, focused discovery, and efficient motion practice. Weak liability theories and unsupported damages claims are exposed quickly. As a result, meaningful progress often depends on whether the case is being prepared for trial from day one.

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Published on: January 13, 2026

Rear-Ended, Not at Fault — Why You Should Speak With a Car Accident Lawyer Immediately After a Crash

By GGCRBHS&M

After a car accident, injured drivers often assume the process will be straightforward — especially when the collision was clearly not their fault. In New York, however, even a simple rear-end crash can trigger serious medical, financial, and legal consequences. A recent report by Spectrum News shows why speaking with a New York car accident lawyer as early as possible can be critical to protecting your rights.

Quick Summary of the News Report

According to Spectrum News, a Rochester woman was rear-ended at a red light and suffered a herniated disc that required surgery and ongoing physical therapy. Despite having no responsibility for the crash, her no-fault insurance benefits were exhausted, her insurance premiums more than doubled, and medical bills began coming back to her personally. The report highlights how New York’s insurance structure can leave injured drivers exposed even when liability is clear.

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