Grandfather Killed After Being Struck by a Moped Driver in Queens: Another Preventable Pedestrian Tragedy in New York City

A fatal collision in Jamaica, Queens is drawing renewed attention to the risks pedestrians face every day on New York City streets — including those posed by mopeds, e-bikes, and bicycles operated in violation of traffic laws. Police report that 68-year-old Trevor Lloyd Samuels was crossing at 93rd Avenue and 168th Street on Friday evening when he was struck by a moped rider while walking in a marked crosswalk. He suffered severe head trauma and later died at Jamaica Hospital.

The moped operator, 26-year-old Yunior Rodriguez, remained at the scene and was taken to Queens Hospital, where he was arrested and charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

For Mr. Samuels’s family, the sudden loss has been devastating. His daughter described him as a man with “story for days”—a former correctional officer in Jamaica for nearly four decades, a dedicated home health aide, and a deeply loved father and grandfather. His five children and five grandchildren are now grappling with the weight of a preventable tragedy that unfolded in seconds.

Crashes Involving Mopeds, E-Bikes, and Bicycles Continue to Surge Across NYC

New York City has experienced a sharp rise in collisions involving two-wheel vehicles — motorized or otherwise — particularly in busy pedestrian areas and crosswalks. These vehicles often operate at high speeds, and when riders ignore traffic laws, pedestrians bear the consequences.

As NYC pedestrian accident lawyers, we have seen firsthand the devastation these cases cause. Our firm has previous experience representing pedestrians struck by bicycles, including catastrophic outcomes when riders failed to obey traffic signals.

One of our publicly reported cases involved Donna Sturm, a pedestrian who was lawfully crossing 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan when a cyclist ran a red light and crashed into her with significant force. She suffered fatal head trauma and passed away nearly two weeks later. We covered her case extensively in our blog as authorities pursued criminal charges against the cyclist. Her story remains a stark example of the dangers posed when two-wheel vehicles — even non-motorized ones — are operated recklessly in high-traffic pedestrian zones.

Legal Accountability When a Pedestrian Is Hit by a Moped or Bicycle

Whether a pedestrian is struck by a moped, e-bike, or traditional bicycle, liability may involve:

Failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk
Running a red light or ignoring traffic signals
Operating a moped without a valid license
Riding at unsafe speeds
Improper vehicle classification affecting insurance coverage

These cases frequently involve serious head, neck, and spinal injuries, and in the most tragic circumstances, wrongful death claims. Because video footage and witness accounts can disappear quickly, prompt legal action is essential.

Our Advocacy for Pedestrians and Their Families

Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf has long represented pedestrians seriously injured or killed due to the negligence of riders operating bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and mopeds. Our experience in cases like the fatal Midtown bicycle-pedestrian collision involving Donna Sturm gives us unique insight into how these crashes happen and how to hold negligent riders accountable.

If Your Family Has Been Affected by a Pedestrian Collision, Speak With Us

Pedestrian fatalities remain one of the most urgent and preventable public-safety issues in New York City. If you or a loved one has been injured — or if your family has suffered a loss — in a collision involving a moped, e-bike, or bicycle, it is important to seek legal guidance promptly. Time limitations vary, and cases involving unlicensed operation or potential criminal charges require immediate investigation.

Our attorneys stand ready to help families seek justice and financial accountability when tragedy strikes. Contact us for a free consultation at 212-943-1090