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.
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Queens Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Box Truck: Legal Perspectives on Liability and Victim Rights

the dangerous queens intersectionA tragic truck accident in Queens claimed the life of 29-year-old Kevin Thoral early Friday morning. Thoral was just a block from his home when a box truck driver fatally struck him while making a left turn at the intersection of 212th St. and Hillside Ave. Despite remaining at the scene, the 51-year-old driver has not been arrested, and the NYPD’s investigation remains ongoing.

Left-Turn Truck Accidents: A Deadly Pattern

Left-turning trucks are a well-documented hazard for pedestrians, particularly in busy urban areas like Queens. These large vehicles have significant blind spots and require wide turns, making it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians in the crosswalk. However, under New York traffic laws, drivers must yield to pedestrians when making left-hand turns. If the driver failed to check for pedestrians before turning, this could constitute negligence, creating grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Fatal Truck Accident?

When a pedestrian is killed in a truck accident, multiple parties may bear legal responsibility, including:

  • The Truck Driver: If the driver failed to yield, was distracted, or was driving recklessly, they could be held personally liable.
  • The Trucking Company: If the driver was on duty at the time of the crash, the company may be legally responsible under vicarious liability laws. Additionally, if the company failed to train its drivers properly or encouraged unsafe practices, they could be sued for negligent hiring or supervision.
  • The Vehicle Manufacturer: If the truck had faulty brakes, blind-spot detection failures, or other mechanical defects, the manufacturer could be liable.
  • The City of New York: If poor road design or malfunctioning traffic signals contributed to the accident, the city may share responsibility.

Legal Options for Families of Fatal Truck Accident Victims

Losing a loved one in a pedestrian accident is devastating. In cases like these, the victim’s family may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit against those responsible. A successful claim can help recover damages for:

  • Medical expenses related to emergency care before the victim’s passing
  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of income and financial support
  • Loss of companionship
  • Pain and suffering endured by the victim before death

Holding Negligent Truck Drivers Accountable

Far too often, truck accidents result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, especially in densely populated areas like Queens. While the police have not yet announced charges in this case, a civil lawsuit operates separately from any potential criminal charges. Families should consult an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to preserve evidence and explore their legal options.

Contact a Top-Rated New York Truck Accident Attorney

If your loved one was fatally struck by a truck in New York City, you need a highly experienced trial attorney who will fight for justice. The truck accident lawyers at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf have spent over 100 years representing victims of truck crashes, securing some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York history.

For a free consultation, call 212-943-1090 today.