Fatal Pedestrian Crash in South Richmond Hill Raises Serious Legal Questions

A tragic crash in South Richmond Hill, Queens left one woman dead and another seriously injured on Saturday afternoon, underscoring both the dangers of reckless driving and the complex legal issues that arise in pedestrian accident cases.

What Happened at Van Wyck Service Road and Liberty Avenue

According to police, a Mercedes-Benz driven by a 65-year-old woman slammed into the rear of a Toyota Scion that had been stopped to make a left turn. The force of the impact pushed the Toyota forward into two women who were crossing the street.

One of the pedestrians, a 51-year-old woman, was pinned beneath the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The second, a 34-year-old woman, suffered serious head and neck injuries and was transported to the hospital.

This intersection is already known by residents as one of the most dangerous in the area. In 2022, a cyclist was killed in a hit-and-run near the same location. Neighbors report that speeding, confusion, and large vehicles cutting through contribute to the high risk.

Determining Legal Liability

From a legal standpoint, this case raises significant questions of liability. While the Toyota was the vehicle that struck the pedestrians, the chain of events was triggered by the Mercedes-Benz driver who rear-ended it. Under New York law, a rear-end collision almost always places fault on the driver who failed to stop in time, as motorists are required to maintain a safe following distance.

However, that does not absolve other parties of responsibility. Lawyers investigating a case like this would examine:

• Negligence of the striking driver – Was the Mercedes-Benz driver distracted, speeding, or otherwise careless?

• Possible shared liability – Did the Toyota driver contribute in any way, such as stopping improperly or failing to maintain control after impact?

• Municipal factors – Given the intersection’s history of crashes, should the City of New York face scrutiny for failing to implement safety improvements or enforcement measures?

Wrongful Death and Personal Injury Claims

For the family of the woman who was killed, a wrongful death claim may provide a path to justice. Compensation in such claims can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

The injured pedestrian may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit, seeking damages for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. If her injuries result in long-term disability, compensation could also cover future medical needs and reduced earning capacity.

In both cases, establishing liability is critical. Attorneys would collect evidence such as police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, and accident reconstruction data to demonstrate negligence.

The Bigger Picture: Public Safety and Accountability

This tragedy highlights not only the individual claims of victims and families but also the broader issue of public safety. When intersections develop reputations as dangerous and city officials fail to act, legal pressure can sometimes push municipalities to take long-overdue measures — such as redesigning traffic patterns, adding signals, or increasing enforcement.

The South Richmond Hill crash is a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be shattered by negligent driving. For victims and families, the law provides avenues to hold wrongdoers accountable and to seek the compensation they deserve. At the same time, repeat tragedies at the same intersection raise broader questions of community safety and government responsibility.

At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our team of Queens personal injury attorneys  are highly experienced in car accident litigation. For more than a century, our trial lawyers have fought for victims and families affected by serious crashes in Queens, securing record verdicts and settlements. We understand the unique hazards on Queens roadways and are prepared to hold negligent drivers and responsible parties fully accountable.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a crash, it is critical to speak with an attorney who not only understands the complexities of motor vehicle law but also has a proven record of winning cases in Queens. At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, our Queens car accident attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of catastrophic collisions, including those at dangerous intersections like Van Wyck Service Road and Liberty Avenue.

Our firm has secured some of the largest verdicts and settlements in New York, and we are known for our aggressive trial strategy, meticulous investigation, and relentless pursuit of justice. We understand the devastating impact these accidents have on families and are committed to holding negligent drivers and other responsible parties fully accountable.

To discuss your case with an experienced Queens car accident attorney, call 212-943-1090 today for a free consultation.