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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NYPD Chase LawyersAs police chase accident lawyers, we are encouraged by the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) recent policy change aimed at reducing high-speed pursuits. Effective February 1, 2025, the NYPD will limit vehicle chases to suspects involved in serious and violent crimes, excluding pursuits for traffic infractions, violations, and non-violent misdemeanors.

This policy shift comes in response to a significant increase in police pursuits and the associated risks to public safety. In 2024, the NYPD conducted 2,278 vehicle pursuits, with approximately 25% resulting in collisions, property damage, or physical harm. Notably, about two-thirds of these chases originated from traffic stops, which will no longer warrant pursuits under the new guidelines.

Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch emphasized that the department’s enforcement efforts should not place the public or officers at undue risk. She highlighted that modern policing tools enable the apprehension of suspects more safely and effectively, rendering many high-speed pursuits unnecessary.

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The recent transformation of 31st Avenue in Astoria, Queens, from a two-way street to a one-way thoroughfare has sparked significant debate among local residents and commuters. Implemented by the city’s Department of Transportation (DOT), this change aims to enhance safety for cyclists by establishing a dedicated bike boulevard along a 1.1-mile stretch from Steinway Street to Vernon Boulevard.

Community Perspectives

Cyclists have expressed appreciation for the redesign, noting an increased sense of security and a greater inclination to use bicycles for daily commutes. Unidirectional traffic simplifies street crossing and reduces potential hazards.

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children going to school in NYCAs New York City car accident lawyers, we commend Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent proposal to prohibit parking within 20 feet of crosswalks in elementary school zones throughout the five boroughs. This initiative aims to enhance pedestrian safety by improving visibility for both drivers and young students, thereby reducing the risk of traffic-related accidents near schools.

Currently, New York State law mandates a 20-foot no-parking zone adjacent to crosswalks—a practice known as “daylighting”—to ensure clear sightlines at intersections. However, New York City has historically exercised a carveout, allowing it to set its own regulations regarding parking near crosswalks. The city’s existing rules prohibit parking within the crosswalk itself but permit it directly next to these pedestrian pathways, often resulting in obstructed views for both drivers and pedestrians.

Governor Hochul’s proposal seeks to align the city’s policy with the state’s standard, specifically targeting areas surrounding elementary schools. By eliminating parking within 20 feet of crosswalks in these zones, the initiative strives to create safer walking conditions for children commuting to and from school. This measure is particularly significant given that New York City is home to over 1,800 public and charter schools, many of which serve students up to the fifth grade.

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New York Medical Malpractice book coverThe NYC Personal Injury Law Firm of Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf proudly announces the release of New York Medical Malpractice 2025. Co-authored by esteemed partners Howard S. Hershenhorn and Marijo C. Adimey, this indispensable treatise is set to become a cornerstone resource for legal practitioners and scholars navigating New York’s medical malpractice landscape.

A Practical and Comprehensive Guide

New York Medical Malpractice 2025 is far more than a legal textbook—it’s a hands-on manual tailored to meet the real-world needs of attorneys handling the complexities of medical malpractice cases. This resource marries theoretical knowledge with actionable strategies, equipping legal professionals with tools to tackle challenges at every stage of litigation.

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schoolbus1A devastating crash involving a dumpster truck, a school bus, and an SUV occurred Tuesday in Old Westbury, Long Island, leaving two children and several others injured. The accident, which took place on Post Road near the Long Island Expressway service road, underscores the catastrophic consequences of commercial vehicle collisions.

What Happened in Old Westbury?

According to Old Westbury Police Chief Stuart Cameron, the crash began when a dumpster truck carrying a heavy load of ripped-up asphalt lost its brakes. Unable to stop at a red light, the truck overturned and struck both a small school bus and an SUV. The collision crushed the front corner of the school bus, shattered its windshield, and severely damaged the passenger side of the SUV.

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Location of the Brooklyn Car Accident on Nostrand Ave and Kings HighwayOn New Year’s Eve, a terrifying car accident occurred at the busy intersection of Kings Highway in Midwood, Brooklyn, when a car plowed into two women and their children as they crossed the street. The crash, captured on video, shows the harrowing moment when two women and a young child were struck, with baby carriages sent flying across the intersection.

Thankfully, the victims – both women and a 1-year-old boy – were transported to Maimonides Hospital and treated for minor injuries. However, this incident raises urgent questions about pedestrian safety in high-traffic intersections across Brooklyn.

Driver Accountability and Ongoing Investigation

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car-accident-scene-in-Manhattan-scaled-e1735862450680As New York City pedestrian accident lawyers, we have witnessed firsthand the tragic consequences of an increasingly dangerous urban environment for walkers. While the city proudly touts its walkability and its Vision Zero program aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, 2024 saw a troubling surge in pedestrian deaths, highlighting gaps in safety measures that demand immediate attention.

Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise

According to a recent article in the New York Times, City data reveals an 18% increase in pedestrian fatalities in 2024 compared to 2023. This surge comes despite a slight overall decline in traffic deaths. Notable incidents, such as the tragic Christmas Day crash in Midtown that injured six pedestrians, underscore the persistent hazards on New York’s streets.

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DRUNK DRIVER STOPPED BY POLICEAs the holiday season approaches, the risk of car accidents due to drunk and reckless driving significantly increases. At Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf, we recognize the critical importance of Vision Zero initiatives to enhance public safety on New York City streets. The Adams Administration’s recent announcement of stepped-up enforcement against speeding and driving while intoxicated (DWI) during the winter holidays is a timely and necessary response to the ongoing dangers posed by impaired driving.

Heightened Enforcement to Save Lives

The NYPD, in partnership with the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT), Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC), and Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), has announced an aggressive campaign to target drivers who endanger others by speeding or driving under the influence. Increased patrols, speed enforcement using advanced technology, and focused DWI checkpoints will be implemented throughout the city’s busiest areas. These efforts are aimed at preventing tragedies like the July 4th crash on the Lower East Side, where an intoxicated driver killed four pedestrians.

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accident-scene-1A 65-year-old man was fatally struck by a passing flatbed truck while attending to his disabled vehicle. As truck accident attorneys representing clients in New York Metro including Long Island we aim to shed light on the legal implications of such accidents and provide guidance on how to navigate the complexities that follow.

Understanding the Incident

According to reports, the victim had pulled over on the westbound side of the Long Island Expressway near the entrance to the Clearview Expressway in Bayside around 5 a.m. While working under the hood of his car, a passing flatbed truck clipped the rear of the stalled vehicle, propelling it into its owner and resulting in his tragic death. The 60-year-old truck driver remained at the scene, and no charges were immediately filed.

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NYPD Chase LawyersAs police chase accident lawyers in New York City, the recent incident in Manhattan’s West Village, where a 44-year-old cyclist was seriously injured by a driver fleeing law enforcement, underscores the complex legal landscape surrounding police pursuits and the rights of those inadvertently harmed.
Incident Overview

On December 18, 2024, a suspected drug dealer, while attempting to evade police apprehension, stole a black Ford Fusion and drove it the wrong way down West 3rd Street. During the reckless flight, the suspect struck a 44-year-old cyclist who was lawfully riding in the bike lane, causing the cyclist to be thrown into the air before crashing down. The driver continued fleeing, running a red light and damaging another vehicle, before abandoning the car and escaping on foot. As of the latest reports, the suspect remains at large.