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Tag Archives: distracted driver

June 01, 2020 News
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Fire department vehicle rear ended in New York highway accident

New York – The fire police vehicle was on the scene of a car accident on a busy highway when it was struck from the rear by another vehicle. Initial reports showed that the firefighter was still in his SUV vehicle stopped behind another fire apparatus after having responded to a motor vehicle accident (MVA) with injuries. However, another motorist apparently didn’t stop or move over and rear ended the fire department SUV despite the activated emergency lights on the car. It is unclear why this MVA occurred or whether the female driving the car was a distracted driver. Investigation will be necessary to determine whether or not the fire department had provided adequate warning to other drivers regarding the dangerous situation ahead. The firefighter was injured and the driver of the other car also suffered various injuries, including spinal injuries and a head injury. In addition, the car had a child passenger that was injured in the SUV accident. The injured parties were extricated and transported by ambulance from the scene of the car crash. They were taken to a regional hospital emergency department for evaluation. Find out more about this rear end collision and the accident injury here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Brandon Harer [License]

May 04, 2020 News
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Police officers injured on the job in car crash

A car accident occurred on the highway leading to the Holland Tunnel approach into New York City. This set the scene for a subsequent car crash that injured several police officers. Reports show that responding police officers from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as well as Jersey City police departments were at the scene of the initial car collision. They were taking care of the accident scene and injured driver when another vehicle lost control and hit a barrier. That vehicle then hit one of the policemen and a police car, causing multiple accident injuries. The pedestrian accident caused one officer to suffer with serious injuries and several other cops suffered injuries as well. It is unclear why the two accidents occurred but specialists explain that distracted drivers often cause secondary collisions like this. They note that drivers often concentrate on the initial accident scene and flashing emergency lights and lose control over their vehicle. This is one of the reasons that many states, including New York, have created “move over laws” that require drivers to move over an extra lane on the highway or roadway when possible. This allows police, EMTs, paramedics and fire fighters a safer work environment. The prevention of workplace accidents and a work injury in these types of environments is challenging but necessary. On the job injuries are usually covered by worker’s compensation insurance. However, these insurance coverages can often lack a fair process or control to patients over their healthcare. Some find it necessary to hire a workers comp lawyer to help them fight for their rights. You can read more about this work injury here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: bark [License]

June 28, 2018 News
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Bicycle accidents, broken bones and traumatic brain injuries

As warm weather moves in, increased bike accidents become more common and lead to serious accident injuries. Statistics show huge increases in the numbers and severity of these accidents despite safety efforts. Experts note that children and adults are wearing helmets and other safety equipment more than in the past. None-the-less, some have pointed to worsening speeding drivers, reckless driving and hazardous conditions that contribute to injuries and wrongful deaths during road accidents involving bicycles. They explain that a car crash involving a bicyclist is much more likely to cause serious or life threatening injury when the vehicle is speeding or if there is a distracted driver behind the wheel. Studies into bicycle collisions show wounds that range from lacerations that can cause nerve damage, to broken bones, to neck and back injuries and even head injury with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Doctors say that helmets have improved the outcomes for accident victims injured in a bicycle accident. However, high speed motor vehicle collisions can still lead to these injuries. This article explains more about the recent research into bike accidents.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Luc Coekaerts [License]

May 18, 2018 News
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Investigators looking into autopilot Tesla car crash that injured woman

Federal safety inspectors have been looking into details of a Tesla car accident that was driving in autopilot mode. The woman’s car crashed into a fire truck at a high rate of speed. Details about the collision are still being discussed as the driver admitted to being distracted by her cell phone while driving. However, she apparently explained that while she was the operator of the vehicle, she wasn’t in fact driving at the moment of impact since she had engaged the autopilot mode. The manufacturer of the car has explained that the driver must always remain vigilant and in control of the vehicle, even when the autopilot is turned on. The driver must maintain his or hands on the wheel and eyes must remain on the road in order to avoid road hazards and make corrections. The woman suffered accident injuries that were relatively minor. They included an ankle injury with a broken bone. However, the force of the collision could have also caused a neck and back injury or other serious life-threatening injuries, according to experts. This is not the first time a Tesla car was involved in a motor vehicle accident while in autopilot mode. A car crash involving an Apple engineer killed the driver in another case. Officials from Tesla also blamed that deadly accident on driver error, saying that the operator was a distracted driver. A New York accident injury lawyer notes that a great deal of risk is involved with the use of automated cars. The responsibilities of the car manufacturer and a potentially negligent driver will require in depth analysis. Further discussion about this autopilot car versus fire truck accident can be seen here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Marc van der Chijs [License]

February 14, 2018 News
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Data shows increased incidence of deaths from accident injuries

The recent release of data on the causes of death in the United States shows some disturbing statistics regarding fatal accidents. The study by the National Safety Council (NSC) showed yet another significant increase in car crashes with life-threatening injuries. Public safety specialists express concern regarding this, in light of the efforts to increase design safety of motor vehicles and roads as well as safe driving campaigns. Modern cars and trucks have advanced technology seat belts and airbags as well as safety sensors throughout the vehicle. Further analysis is needed but some wrongful death experts believe that the noted increase in serious injuries is due to distracted driver accidents. They blame this on the increased technology devices distracting drivers, such as driving while texting, talking on a cell phone while driving and even people who read and post to Twitter and Facebook while operating a motor vehicle. They also note that some drivers don’t take their responsibility seriously while they eat, read or speed instead of concentrating on the road. Several other causes of accidental injuries that commonly lead to death were identified by the council. These include slip and fall, drowning and overdose accidents. If you or someone you know has suffered a preventable accident due to someone’s possible negligence, you have the right to speak to an expert accident attorney to discuss your case. You can also find out more about the NSC study here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Walter [License]

May 23, 2017 News
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Electric bicycle accidents and injuries in New York City

New York – Accidents and injuries involving electric bicycles (e-bikes) are becoming ever more common and worrisome. Large cities, like New York, continue to be plagued by congestion on the roads as well as sidewalks and crosswalks. However, public safety advocates note that the dangers posed by this combination of electric bike crashes and urban congestion are causing an uptick in injuries and even deaths. They explain that the high speeds of an e-bike along with sometimes careless driving behaviors of both bicyclists and motorists can lead to disaster. A bicycle accident involving a traditional bike is dangerous enough but the increased speed and distracted driver problems seen with the newer electrical bikes increases the risks. Some e-bikers dangerously weave in and out of traffic while others speed on sidewalks and through crosswalks, blatantly ignoring traffic signs and signals. More frequent and more serious injuries from e-bike crashes have been noted in some locales, prompting an outcry from community activists. They warn that government officials, police and e-bike riders must take decisive action to prevent injury and wrongful death. The New York Police Department (NYPD) has started crackdowns to confiscate illegal electric bikes from city streets. Pedestrian accidents and car crashes involving these illegal bicycles will hopefully continue to diminish as these crackdowns continue, according to safety experts. This article has more details about the safety concerns and dangers regarding illegal electric bikes.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo Credit: Blondinrikard Froberg [License]

February 28, 2017 News
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Another pedestrian struck by tow truck on Long Island

New York – This is not the first time that a pedestrian accident involved a tow truck according to police. This latest tow truck accident occurred in Suffolk County and left the accident victim with serious injuries. The woman was crossing the street when she was suddenly hit by a truck, leaving her with multiple injuries. She was taken by ambulance to Huntington Hospital for emergency treatment, according to reports. Officials say that a similar tow truck crash versus a pedestrian occurred several months ago in Nassau County, Long Island. That collision in November killed the pedestrian woman. Of note, many tow truck operators complain that their job places them in a dangerous situation, exposed to dangerous or distracted drivers. This tow truck driver was injured at work when he was hit by a car while hooking up a disabled car. The worker in that case also died of his accident injuries. Authorities warn that everyone must maintain vigilance and safety when around a large truck such as this. Read more about the most recent tow truck collision here.

Photo for illustrative purposes only. Photo by David Shankbone [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

September 14, 2016 News
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I Was in An Accident :: What Should I Do?

New York – Car accidents have become an unfortunate reality in this fast-paced world of distracted drivers, speeding drivers and a driver who’s always late for something. What should you do to protect yourself in case you’re involved in a motor vehicle crash? Experts say that it is always appropriate to first address any accident injuries, even if it’s only a potential wound. Simply call 911. An accident victim is often distracted by the legal and monetary aspects of the collision and sometimes overlook an injury. If there is any question of injury, you should tell the 911 operator and they will send both police and an ambulance. The ambulance crew and hospital staff can evaluate you for serious injuries and document your wounds. This can assist in your urgent and long-term care and help smooth out some potential insurance coverage problems for your car crash injuries later down the line. Don’t worry – the police can deal with the car and investigation of the accident while you’re taken to an emergency room for evaluation. Police can also meet you at the hospital, if necessary, to follow up. Police can also meet you at the hospital, if necessary, to follow up. All of these guidelines are applicable to any type of accident – including car collision, motorcycle crash, bicycle accident or even a slip-and-fall accident.

After your health and safety has been addressed, you can deal with the rest. Of course, you should always be honest with police and medical personnel, but don’t admit guilt. Many factors must be taken into consideration by investigators into the accident. They will assess for a possible drunk driver, reckless driving and other illegal or negligent activity that may have caused or contributed to the crash. Remember, you have the right to consult with a top New York accident lawyer to determine your rights. You can also read this article for more details about what you can do in the event of a motor vehicle collision.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Morgan [License]

July 27, 2016 News
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Motorcycle accident kills one and injures another crash victim

New York – This morning’s motorcycle crash in the Lincoln Tunnel is being investigated by Port Authority police. According to reports the motorcycle accident ended in the death of a woman passenger on the back of the bike. The motorcycle driver suffered multiple accident injuries and was taken to a New York City hospital for treatment. It is still unclear how many other vehicles were involved in the deadly collision or if anyone else was injured in the accident. Accident specialists note that motorcyclists and bicyclists face many risks of accidents and injuries, especially on busy roads and highways. Reckless driving and distracted drivers are abound and the bikers have minimal protection from even minor collisions. However, some public safety advocates explain that motorcyclists and bicycle riders share responsibility by weaving in and around traffic and running through red lights. Speeding can also become a significant factor that can cause a crash or worsen its effects. You can read more about this bike accident here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Dan Souza [License]

April 20, 2016 News
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Long Island ambulance accident kills two victims

New York – Earlier today a private ambulance was involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash on the Southern State Parkway in Nassau County. The ambulance hit a highway overpass support wall while it was transporting a patient in the rear. According to the ambulance company, the EMT and driver of the ambulance were not travelling with lights or sirens, as this was a non-emergency transport. Images from the scene of the collision show that the entire front end of the truck was crushed inward. Additional ambulances from Nassau County were called in to treat the injured victims. Officials reported that the ambulance driver was killed after being crushed inside. In addition, the patient who was being transported in the back also died from the severe accident injuries. The cause of the accident is still being looked into by police. Investigators noted that it appears the driver lost control of the ambulance and slammed directly into the wall. His EMT partner in the back was also injured in the crash, including a suffering a head injury with concussion and leg fracture. That injury victim’s condition is still guarded and he will require hospitalization.

This ambulance collision is reminiscent of previous ones, including this ambulance versus bus crash in Brooklyn, New York and this ambulance and car accident in Queens. Emergency management specialists explain that the dangers involved with operating an ambulance or other emergency vehicle is quite serious. They note that the vehicles are heavier than many other vehicles on the road, require intensive training and constant awareness. Public safety activists worry that some drivers of these trucks are distracted by other things, such as their radios, cell phones or conversations while driving. Proper training to avoid these distracted driver risks is essential. You can see updates about the recent ambulance crash here.

Illustrative Photo by U.S. Navy [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons