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Tag Archives: spinal injuries

Deadly drag racing car crash blamed on drunk drivers

New York – Two car accident victims were killed last week on the Nassau Expressway near the border between Long Island and Queens. Five other victims were injured in the highway accident according to police reports. The two victims that were killed were a recently engaged couple that were driving home when they were hit. The collision caused their car to burst into flames and the trapped couple died in the fire. Emergency responders explained that the multi-vehicle car accident left tremendous amounts of damage and injuries ranging from broken bones to spinal injuries to critical injuries. Investigators into the cause of the fatal collision have noted several pieces of evidence that point to reckless driving, drag racing and even drunk driving. Police have arrested and charged two of the people involved in the crash. They believe that the cause of the accident was well more than just carelessness or even negligence. Prosecutors believe that the criminal actions of two of the drivers are what caused the motor vehicle accident. They believe that two of the vehicles were drag racing and lost control, slamming into the other cars and causing a chain reaction. The at-fault drivers will face criminal charges but can also face personal injury lawsuits as well as wrongful death lawsuits. See this article for more about the drunk driving accident.

Illustrative Photo Credit: by Werner Vermaak (originally posted to Flickr as Immobilized Patient) [CC-BY-2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Bus crash in Queens, New York after driver loses control

New York – A bus accident in Rego Park has left at least six injured victims according to police reports. Investigations into the cause of the collision shows that the bus driver may have swerved to avoid colliding with a car but then the driver lost control of the bus. The bus then slammed into the side of a building, injuring the driver as well as multiple passengers. The people were extricated by the New York Fire Department and rushed to the hospital with varying injuries. The specific nature of the injuries are unclear at this time. However, witnesses to the aftermath of the motor vehicle accident note that the injury victims were secured with neck collars and spine boards due to concern for spinal injuries. Evidence shows that the bus hit a brick-faced wall of a building, possibly an apartment building. This demolished the corner of the building and sent heavy bricks and other debris flying all around. Witnesses describe a car being pinned under the bus, with the driver suffering critical injuries.

Further investigations will be needed to determine the exact cause of the crash. Police will examine the mechanical condition of the bus, including brakes, steering, tires and other essential equipment to determine if proper maintenance was performed. Records show that the bus was owned and operated by a casino company, who may bear some or all responsibility for the accident. The driving record and training of the driver may need to be examined as well. Officials will simultaneously need to determine if the driver of the other car was negligent and possibly caused the crash. Read more about the accident and injuries here.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Chris Yarzab [License]

Bus crash injures dozens in Lincoln Tunnel

New York – Upwards of 40 accident victims were injured when one bus rear-ended another during rush hour commute into Manhattan this past week. The rear-end collision occurred when a New Jersey Transit bus filled with commuters collided with a school bus filled with children. The school bus was transporting the school kids into New York City for a graduation trip when the bus accident occurred. Initial analysis shows that the commuter bus driver was unable to stop in time to avoid the crash during traffic. Further investigation was necessary to determine why this was the case, and to rule out driver negligence or criminal activity, such as drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs. Commuter advocates say that some bus drivers are not properly trained or don’t always follow safety regulations, leading to increased dangers on the roads. For example, drivers need to make sure that they are well rested and not tired from driving shifts that are longer than permitted. In addition, drivers must direct their full attention to the roadways and traffic conditions, adjusting their driving accordingly. However, some activists warn that bus drivers, much like car and truck drivers, have become too distracted by things such as texting while driving, talking on a cell phone or adjusting the radio. These actions create a dangerous condition that is more likely to lead to this kind of accident.

The injury victims were treated on the scene and some were transported by ambulances to various hospitals. Others were directed to see their private doctors for evaluation and treatment of their injuries. Experts note that some of these injuries may not become fully evident until hours, days or even weeks after the motor vehicle collision. For example, what starts off as a mild stiff neck or backache can sometimes worsen and end up creating a permanent injury with spinal injuries and nerve damage. If you or someone that you know are injured in a vehicle crash, it is advised to see a physician or go to an emergency room for evaluation. You also have the right to speak to a top injury attorney who has expertise in dealing with personal injuries after a motor vehicle accident. See this site for more about last week’s bus accident.

Illustrative Photo Credit: Doug Kerr [License]