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 Truck Accidents

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location of the fatal pedestrian pickup truck accidentThe tragic death of Danielle Aber in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, after enduring a week of suffering from injuries sustained in a truck accident, casts a stark light on the vulnerabilities pedestrians face and the critical need for stronger legal safeguards. This accident not only highlights the physical and emotional toll on the victim and their loved ones but also highlights the gaps in our legal and traffic safety systems.

Danielle Aber’s prolonged fight for life before succumbing to her injuries raises significant legal and ethical questions about the responsibilities of drivers, particularly those operating large vehicles in densely populated areas. The charges against the pick-up truck driver, Stanley Manel who had 26 previous camera violations, for failing to yield and exercise due care, while necessary, prompt a broader discussion on the adequacy of such measures in addressing the severity of the consequences of traffic violations.

The Urgent Need for Legal and Policy Reform

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location of the tractor trailer truck accident in BrooklynYesterday, New York experienced two significant truck-related accidents that impacted traffic, businesses, and local communities.

Brooklyn Accident: Tractor Trailer and Sedan Crash into Popeyes

In East Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a collision involving a tractor-trailer and a sedan resulted in both vehicles crashing into a Popeyes restaurant at the intersection of Metropolitan and Vandervoort Avenues. The tractor-trailer reportedly lost control and collided with the sedan, which had the right of way, causing extensive damage to the restaurant’s facade.

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private garbage truck involved in New york fatal bicycle accidentNew York City’s decision to overhaul its private garbage truck industry is a critical step toward addressing a longstanding public safety crisis. As lawyers specializing in garbage truck accidents, we have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of the chaotic and dangerous practices endemic to this sector. The city’s plan, finally set to unfold after years of delays, promises significant changes that could not only enhance safety but also transform the legal landscape for those affected by these accidents.

The reform, proposed back in 2016 and passed in 2019, is a response to a series of alarming statistics and incidents involving private garbage hauling companies

These firms, tasked with collecting commercial waste, have operated under a system that prioritizes efficiency over safety, resulting in a patchwork of overlapping routes that span multiple boroughs. This inefficient management has not only led to horrendous working conditions for haulers, often working shifts longer than 12 hours, but also posed a significant threat to public safety. A city report from 2021 highlighted a grim reality: over a decade, commercial garbage trucks were involved in accidents that led to at least 43 deaths and 107 injuries.

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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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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

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ambulance at accident sceneA school crossing guard, Krystyna Naprawa, 63 years old and a resident of Howard Beach, lost her life last Friday morning when she was struck and killed by a dump truck making a right turn at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue in Queens.

The accident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. when a 39-year-old dump truck driver turned onto Atlantic Avenue, colliding with Krystyna Naprawa as she was fulfilling her duty as a crossing guard. Despite the immediate response from emergency services, she tragically succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

The driver, identified as Hector Yepes, was charged with failure to yield to a pedestrian and failure to exercise due care.

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The dangerous intersection of Shore Parkway and Shell Road

The dangerous intersection of Shore Parkway and Shell Road

On the morning of August 4th, Yelena Gervolskaya, a 75-year-old pedestrian and a beloved family member, lost her life after being struck by both a dump truck and a Jeep at the intersection of Shore Parkway and Shell Road in Gravesend, Brooklyn. Both drivers fled the scene; however, they have now been identified by the police. As of now, no charges have been filed against either of them.

Both vehicles hit the victim while making a left turn

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Staten Island Expressway where the truck accident occurredTragedy struck on Monday morning on the Staten Island Expressway as a truck accident left seven people injured, with one person in critical condition. The accident occurred near Manor Road and Bradley Avenue.

Truck accidents like this one can be particularly complex, involving multiple parties, potential liability issues, and intricate insurance matters. Therefore, it is crucial for those involved in such accidents to seek legal assistance from experienced truck accident attorneys. Here are a few reasons why legal representation is vital:

  1. Determining Liability: Establishing who is at fault in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation. An experienced attorney will work to identify all responsible parties, which may include the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance crews, or even vehicle parts manufacturers. Identifying liability is essential for pursuing compensation.
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Traffic accidents near JFK airportLast week 15 people were injured in a bus accident and a teenager was killed when the car she was in collided with a truck. Both accidents took place near JFK Airport, which is currently undergoing a major makeover. The aim of this $19 billion project is to rejuvenate the airport by providing modern facilities and improved terminals. However, this extensive renovation comes at a cost: roadways are being torn up and closed, resulting in significant traffic disruptions that are projected to last for several years. Consequently, various modes of transportation, including driving, public transit, taxis, and ride-hailing services, will be affected, potentially causing substantial congestion, delays, and safety concerns.

Last Friday a collision occurred between a Delta Airlines bus and a commuter van on the Van Wyck Expressway, resulting in 15 injuries. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by commuters in and around JFK Airport and southeast Queens. Local leaders, such as Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, have been advocating for clearer signs, speed warnings, and overall safer street designs as part of the JFK Airport overhaul. Additionally, Richards highlighted the peril of driving on North and South Conduit Avenue, where a 14-year-old girl was killed in a car accident just two days prior. The accident took place on North Conduit Avenue near 160th Street. The 14-year-old was a passenger in a BMW driven by a 16-year-old driver. The young driver, who was not supposed to be driving alone, lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a UPS truck, resulting in the death of his passenger and friend.

As predicted by Frommers, commuting to JFK airport, is currently and will continue to be a nightmare for years to come.

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trucks can be dangerousAs truck accident attorneys in NYC, we understand the dangers that big rigs can pose to communities, particularly those of color and low-income neighborhoods. The current truck route map across New York City, comprising around 1,300 miles across the five boroughs, has remained largely unchanged since the 1970s, leading to increased asthma, cardiovascular disease, and increased number of deadly crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists in such areas. The Department of Transportation must take steps to redesign these truck routes for safety and environmental justice to reduce the number of big rigs that roll through such communities.

Council Member Alexa Aviles (D-Sunset Park) has introduced a bill, Intro. 708, which would force the agency to undertake a complete overhaul of the current truck route map, and the DOT has indicated its support for the bill. The DOT acknowledges the need for change. The pandemic saw a rise in truck deliveries, as e-commerce became more prevalent.

The rise in distribution warehouses in low income residential areas not only worsen pollution but also increase the risk of pedestrians and cyclists getting fatally struck by trucks in streets that have not been conceived for large vehicles