Author Archives: Morrison Wagner

April 23, 2014 News
0

New York City taxi accident killed pedestrian

New York – A pedestrian accident left a woman dead after she was hit by a cab as she was crossing the street. Witnesses say that the woman and her friend were crossing the Upper East Side road when a taxi struck her and pushed her into the lane of another cabbie. The second taxi crashed into the already injured victim, possibly causing the fatal blow. Bystanders raced to start treating the woman’s accident injuries and stop traffic in order to prevent another car crash. Police believe the two pedestrians may have been jaywalking but it was unclear if the yellow cabs were speeding at the time of the collision. Accident specialists explain that the cause of a car crash is not always immediately evident and requires close examination. Anything from drunk driving or a distracted driver to speeding or poor road design can contribute to an accident. They note that some collisions have multiple contributing causes and a complete investigation is necessary to prevent further injuries or wrongful deaths. Some hazardous conditions can simply be alleviated by installing better signs or lighting while other car accidents can be prevented with stronger police enforcement of known trouble spots. For example, police awareness and ticketing programs to prevent reckless driving or driving while texting or talking on a cell phone can help prevent crashes. However, experts note that the taxi drivers may have also suffered injuries during the accident that may have been caused by the pedestrians. They explain that everyone that shares the roadway is expected to follow the appropriate laws, including pedestrians and bicyclists. If you, or someone you know, were involved in a motor vehicle accident, you are entitled to discuss your case with an experienced accident lawyer to determine your rights. Read more about this pedestrian struck accident here.

Illustrative photo by The Wordsmith (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

April 18, 2014 News
0

Construction scaffolding accident kills man in Manhattan

New York – A construction worker slipped and fell at a work site in the Midtown section of Manhattan. The victim died upon impact during the slip and fall accident after plummeting down approximately 13 stories. Work injury specialists have been in an uproar about the fatality due to multiple safety violations at the site. Investigations continue but witnesses have reported that the workman was not wearing a required safety harness while working on the scaffolding. Some also believe that the machinery and equipment were not properly secured and there were improper railings to protect the employees. Hardhat safety advocates warn that employers must make sure that all laws are followed, and not just during times of inspection by OSHA or the building department of the city. Construction accidents have high potential for more serious injuries and deaths according to experts and they note that negligence plays a big role in it. Many injured workers find it necessary to contact a worker’s comp lawyer in order to determine their rights and benefits. Employers and their workman’s compensation insurance companies are often responsible to pay not only for the medical bills but also for short- and long-term disability of the victim. However, a lawsuit case sometimes needs to be filed on behalf of an injured or sick worker due to disagreements regarding responsibility and employer neglect or carelessness. For more about the fall victim from the scaffold accident in New York City, check out this article.

Illustrative photo by Uploader. (Self-photographed) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

April 07, 2014 News
0

Queens car crash into creek kills multiple accident victims

New York – This past Friday night ended with four passengers of a car accident dead after the vehicle sank into a creek. Police say that the car ran into the water after hitting the wooden barrier at the end of a dead end street. The car slammed into the barrier and then plunged into the cold water in the Astoria section of Queens, NY with only the driver being able to escape. Only several hours after this deadly accident, another vehicle also fell into a small section of the East River less than a mile away from the first crash. This time it was an SUV that hit a thin chain linked fence on the dead end street and then rolled over into the river. The SUV accident ended happier, with the four victims escaping alive. Details of the injuries that they suffered in that roll-over accident are still unclear. Fire Department of New York divers took part in both rescue and recovery operations.

Police investigators are continuing their search for the causes of these motor vehicle collisions. They are currently reviewing security camera footage from the initial collision and believe that the driver may have been speeding. Regarding the second accident with injuries, there has been speculation that a drunk driver may have been behind the wheel. A drunk driving accident would help explain why the one vehicle accident occurred. However, concerned citizens worry that regardless of the cause of the accidents, New York City should be doing more to prevent these types of calamities. Specifically, some have pointed out that the road safety division should have known that stronger barriers and better signs were necessary at the ends of these dark dead end roads. They note that the water hazard is serious enough to warrant more than a low wooden barrier or simple chain linked fence. Improved lighting could also help prevent motor vehicle accidents but require city funding. Public advocates have warned that the government officials and land owners in these dangerous areas are responsible to secure the roads and public. They explain that improper planning and safety preparations may constitute negligence. See this site for more about the fatal collision into Steinway Creek.

Illustrative photo by ecksunderscore from New York City (FDNY boat) [CC-BY-SA-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

April 02, 2014 News
0

New York State school bus safety program scheduled for April 3, 2014

New York – The state sponsored Operation Safe Stop program was created in order to prevent student pedestrians from getting hit by a car. Officials explain that many children have been struck by a vehicle when getting on or off their school bus, especially when they try to cross the street. Parents, police and lawmakers teamed up to improve safety for kids by passing driver safety laws and forming programs such as this one. The law in New York State says that it is illegal to pass a school bus that has its red lights flashing. This law applies to all vehicles, including cars, trucks and other buses. Many yellow school buses have added a red stop sign that swings out on the driver’s side when the red lights are activated. However, this is not necessary and the law applies even when there is no stop sign or if it is broken. The requirement to stop for a school bus with flashing red lights applies to vehicles approaching from in front of as well as behind the bus. It even applies to vehicles on the opposite side of a divided highway with many lanes as well as in school parking lots. Experts say that whenever the red lights are activated, it means that the bus driver is letting students on or off the bus, creating a potentially dangerous condition should the child run across the street. They note that the shorter height of kids prevents drivers from seeing them, especially when they walk out from behind a tall bus. The goal of the Operation Safe Stop program is to bring awareness to the law and the dangers of passing a school bus. Ultimately, organizers hope that the awareness program will prevent accidents, injuries and wrongful death by cracking down on reckless driving behavior. Police say that tickets with hefty fines will be issued to dangerous drivers that do not obey the law. If you witness illegal driving, such as illegally passing a school bus, contact the police to report it. If you or someone you know was injured due to a negligent driver, you have the right to contact an accident lawyer to discuss your case. Local police throughout the area are planning on participating in this safe driving program on April 3, 2014 with high hopes of preventing pedestrian accidents.

Illustrative photo by Bernd Moehle (Flickr: School bus) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

March 26, 2014 News
0

Long Island police SUV rear-ends car in multi-vehicle accident

New York – A car crash last week is being at least partially blamed on the acting police commissioner of Nassau County. The acting commissioner was reportedly driving too close to the car while he was driving his police vehicle, and investigators believe that this may have contributed to the car accident. The woman who was driving the car explained that she was stopped in traffic when the police SUV rear-ended her, causing her car to be pushed into the car in front of her. The SUV accident left at least one injury victim, with the woman complaining of neck and back pain. It was unclear if any other accident victims were injured but medical experts note that some accident injuries do not become fully apparent immediately following a crash. Pain management specialists say that some car crash injuries, such as spinal injury, knee and shoulder injuries and nerve damage, can take weeks or even months until they can be identified. They express the importance of seeing a doctor for evaluation soon after a motor vehicle collision, especially after being rear-ended and then pushed into another vehicle in front. This type of rear-end collision creates multiple impacts and the possibility of various injuries that may be subtle at first. Medical testing is advised and injured victims are entitled to healthcare even if they initially refused care at the scene of the crash. Some accident victims find it necessary to seek legal advice from a seasoned personal injury lawyer in order to determine their rights after being injured in an accident. Check out more about the police car accident here.

Illustrative photo by Kevin.B (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0-2.5-2.0-1.0], via Wikimedia Commons

March 21, 2014 News
0

Electrical shock hazard concerns trigger product recall

The makers of a popular breast pump have issued a dangerous product recall this week. They explain that there is a concern of injuries being caused by an electrical shock from the faulty machines. The concern arises from loose connections between the adapter and the electrical source. Experts say that a poor product design can lead to this type of hazardous situation and needs to be addressed quickly. They note that safe electrical engineering is important when producing electrical machines of any kind. However, they note, breast pumps are considered medical devices since they are used by new mothers to extract supplemental breast milk for the baby. This means that the product recall needs to be coordinated by the Food and Drug Administration. Reports from the manufacturer show that no women or babies have been injured so far by these products. However, some product safety advocates warn that companies aren’t always fully forthcoming about details of possible injury caused by the use of one of their products. They sometimes blame outside causes for the injuries in order to avoid negligence lawsuits. Consumers who think that they may have been injured by a dangerous product are encouraged to seek legal counsel in order to determine their rights. Check out this article for details regarding the breast pump recall.

Illustrative photo by Wencke g (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

March 17, 2014 News
0

Harlem, New York gas explosion collapses two buildings

New York – A massive explosion destroyed two buildings last week in the Harlem section of Manhattan. The accident killed eight people and left more than sixty injured victims in its wake, according to police. The cause of the explosion is under investigation but current evidence points towards a gas leak as the origin of the sudden blast. Current inspections by Con Edison, the Fire Department of New York and building department are focusing on possible sources of a gas leak and to determine if proper safety measures were taken to protect the public from danger. Most importantly, safety analysts are concerned about the possibility of repeat explosions from similar hazardous conditions. This explosion has raised concerns regarding the old age and safety of many of New York City’s gas pipes. Many of the pipes and equipment are well more than 100 years old and may have corroded or are otherwise leaking according to experts. Some have asserted that negligent maintenance is abound and will be responsible for many more injuries and deaths if something is not done soon to rectify the dangerous situation. They say that gas meters, connectors and main pipes were installed in the late 1800’s and require close watch, regular maintenance or prompt replacement. Records show that some sections of the gas main servicing the collapsed buildings were placed in 1887. Read more about this gas explosion and injury victim identification here.

Photo by Adnan Islam (Flickr: IMG_6862) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

March 04, 2014 News
0

Bicycle accident involving New York City bike sharing program

New York – The bicycle sharing program in the city has been blamed for an accident injury after a rider hit a road barrier. The man explains that he was riding the bicycle along the public roadway and approaching a docking station when the front wheel struck the concrete obstruction. He contends that the object was basically hidden from his view due to its common gray color and placement, causing him to crash. The bike crash caused a head injury and subsequent traumatic brain injury, according to reports. The accident victim says that nerve damage in his brain caused him to lose his sense of smell and ability to taste. The man has filed a personal injury lawsuit due to claims of negligence in the installation and maintenance of the barrier. Inspection of the accident scene shows that the stumbling block has now been painted orange with a traffic cone placed nearby to warn pedestrians and bicyclists of the dangerous situation. Some have pointed out that the obstacle should have been clearly marked at the time of installation in order to prevent just such a bicycle collision or trip and fall accident. They say that these types of hazards should have been picked up on by bike sharing program organizers before someone got hurt in an accident. The road hazard was placed right next to a cross walk, where pedestrians and bike riders would expect to be able to ride or walk safely. Further investigation is necessary to determine who is responsible for the proper installation and maintenance of these road barriers. Find out more about the accident in this article.

Illustrative photo by Jim.henderson (Own work) [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

February 25, 2014 News
0

Multiple victims in Long Island carbon monoxide poisoning incident

New York – A restaurant in a Long Island, NY shopping mall was the scene of a deadly carbon monoxide poisoning incident three days ago. Hospital officials confirmed that the manager of the restaurant was killed by the gas leak that had filled the basement of the business. Investigators report that the cause of the accidental poisoning was from a leaking flue pipe from the building’s water heater. Unfortunately, the hazardous condition was not discovered until the victim was found unconscious in the basement and more than two dozen other became sick during the incident. Citizens who were eating there, workers and emergency responders were amongst the sick victims that required hospitalization following their exposure to the chemical gas. Emergency department staff successfully treated most of the ill patients but were unable to revive the unconscious worker, who died in the hospital. Emergency room experts explain that carbon monoxide gas is odorless and colorless but can be detected with a relatively inexpensive detector that can be purchased in most hardware stores. However, current construction, building and fire codes do not require these devices in a location where people don’t sleep. This has some public safety advocates distressed at the lack of safety in this regard. They contend that a simple and inexpensive piece of equipment could have easily warned potential victims of the danger. Despite this, businesses are required to properly maintain all equipment in their building in order to prevent dangerous situations such as this. A report shows that the restaurant was issued a ticket with possible fine for faulty equipment. Maintenance specialists say that this could have occurred due to improper maintenance of equipment in the building. Read more about the hazardous condition that led to the death of the worker in this article.

Illustrative photo by Mondberg (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

February 17, 2014 News
0

Pregnant woman run over by snow plow in Brooklyn parking lot

New York – A pedestrian was struck and killed in a snow plow accident during a snow storm clean-up. The accident victim was loading groceries into her car in a supermarket parking lot when the owner of the business was shoveling the lot with a small plow. The Brooklyn, New York store owner was backing up in a Bobcat construction tractor when he hit the woman. The mini-bulldozer truck is described as a construction vehicle that is strong enough to lift and move heavy loads while maintaining a fast speed. Unfortunately, all of that force caused serious injuries that killed the pregnant woman and left her fetus struggling to survive. Hospital officials report that they were able to deliver the baby via an emergency Caesarean section surgery. However, the baby has been left in critical condition due to lack of oxygen and the injuries from the crash.

Witnesses in the neighborhood have commented that the driver of the snow plow has operated it in a way that they described as reckless driving. This has included speeding around the parking lot, sidewalk and even the public street. Police will need to further investigate these claims and determine the cause of the accident. Some have contended that the dangerous driver is to blame for the crash that has left one woman dead and a baby seriously injured, fighting for his life. Public activists say that property and store owners have a responsibility to shovel and salt their parking lots, driveways, walkways and sidewalks in order to prevent a slip and fall accident. However, this should be done in a careful manner that doesn’t place the public in even greater risk of injury or death. Read this article for information about another woman who was struck and killed by a snow plow in New York.

Illustrative photo by Tennen-Gas (Own work) [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons