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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Fatal Queens Car Accident LocationA tragic crash in East Elmhurst, Queens, claimed the life of 23-year-old Justin Diaz after a Mercedes, allegedly driven by an intoxicated FDNY firefighter, sped through a red light and violently T-boned his BMW. The fatal collision, which occurred at 4:15 a.m. at the intersection of 107th St. and Northern Blvd., was caught on surveillance video (see below) and has since led to the arrest of 28-year-old firefighter Michael Pena, who now faces charges including vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI).

Surveillance Footage Captures High-Speed Impact

Chilling video footage shows Diaz traveling north on 107th St. before entering the intersection, moments before the Mercedes, moving at high speed, plows into his vehicle’s driver’s side. The force of the crash sent both cars spinning across Northern Blvd., with the BMW ultimately slamming into a parked Toyota Sienna.

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Our subway accident lawyer investigating a caseAs experienced New York City personal injury attorneys, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact of subway and train accidents on victims and their families. When accidents occur underground, in confined spaces, the risk of serious injuries from smoke inhalation, fire, or collisions is significant. Just this week, 18 people suffered injuries after a track fire at the 191st Street No. 1 subway station, raising concerns about subway safety and liability.

What Happened at 191st Street?

On Tuesday afternoon, thick gray smoke filled the station after an object on the tracks made contact with the third rail, leading to a hazardous smoke condition. Nine passengers suffered from smoke inhalation and were assessed by emergency responders, while 16 others required hospitalization. Thankfully, there were no fatalities, but the incident underscores the dangers riders face daily on the MTA system.

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Deadly intersection in the Bronx where the MTA Bus killed a cyclistOn the evening of February 25, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the Bronx involving an MTA bus and a cyclist. At approximately 10:45 p.m., a 57-year-old man was fatally struck by an MTA bus while the vehicle was making a left turn from East 149th Street onto Brook Avenue in the Mott Haven neighborhood. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene. The 35-year-old bus driver remained at the location and, as per current reports, has not been charged. The NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad is actively investigating the incident.

This unfortunate event underscores the potential dangers that cyclists face on New York City streets, especially when sharing the road with large vehicles like buses. Navigating the complexities of traffic in the Bronx requires both motorists and cyclists to exercise heightened caution to prevent such devastating accidents.

In the aftermath of such incidents, victims and their families often grapple with emotional and financial hardships. Pursuing legal action can be a crucial step in obtaining justice and compensation. Our team of experienced attorneys specializes in handling cases involving MTA bus accidents, cyclist injuries, personal injury claims, and wrongful death lawsuits in the Bronx. We are well-versed in the specific challenges these cases present and are committed to advocating for the rights of victims and their families.

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Deadly Bronx intersectionAs Bronx auto accident lawyers, we are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred on February 24, 2025, at the intersection of East 172nd Street and Metcalf Avenue in the Soundview neighborhood. A 17-year-old male and a 14-year-old female were riding a bike when they collided with a Honda Odyssey minivan operated by a 42-year-old driver. The young male was pronounced dead at NYC Health + Hospitals Jacobi, while the female passenger sustained injuries but is expected to recover. The driver of the van was also seriously and transported to the hospital. No arrests have been made as the investigation continues.

This heartbreaking event underscores the critical importance of understanding the legal complexities surrounding motorcycles and motor vehicle accidents in New York City.

Legal Considerations in Bike-Motor Vehicle Collisions

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safety issues in regards to fire were foud at Bryant ParkRecent fires at the Bryant Park Winter Village and Herald Square holiday market have exposed alarming fire hazards at these seasonal attractions. According to the FDNY, dangerous wiring, illegal propane tanks, and makeshift commercial kitchens in combustible sheds led to two separate fires in December—one of which nearly spread to the Bryant Park ice-skating rink. While authorities and market operators are pledging reforms for next season, these incidents highlight serious fire safety failures that put lives and property at risk.

Thankfully, no one was injured in these incidents. However, in similar fires, victims can suffer severe burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and other life-threatening conditions. When negligence leads to such disasters, victims and their families may have legal options to seek compensation for their suffering.

Who Is Responsible for These Fires?

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the bike lane on Third AvenueAs car accident lawyers practicing in New York City, we have witnessed the unfortunate consequences of traffic collisions and the severe impact they have on individuals, families, and communities. However, recent developments on Third Avenue present a hopeful narrative that underscores a truth we can all rally around: bike lanes make roadways safer for everyone.

The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released data indicating that the installation of a protected bike lane on Third Avenue has resulted in a remarkable 33 percent decrease in total injuries over the past year. Even more striking, injuries to drivers and passengers in vehicles plummeted by 43 percent. These statistics are not merely numbers; they represent lives profoundly affected—or saved—by thoughtful urban planning.

As noted by DOT spokesperson Vin Barone, “DOT’s redesign of Third Avenue has significantly reduced serious injuries—whether you’re walking, biking, or in a car on the corridor.” This statement demonstrates a comprehensive view of roadway safety, one that considers all users rather than prioritizing vehicles alone.

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example of a crane mounted on a truck

When a construction crane collapsed in Brooklyn, it was the bravery of Good Samaritans that helped rescue two men trapped inside a van. The accident, which took place near a pharmacy, left one man with head and body pain and another with a serious leg injury.

What Happened?

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location of the hit and run accident in the BronxThe recent hit-and-run incident in the Bronx, as reported by the New York Post, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face daily. A 22-year-old man was struck by a black SUV at the intersection of E 228th Street and Laconia Avenue. The vehicle accelerated suddenly, hitting the victim and fleeing the scene. The victim sustained a head injury and was transported to Jacobi Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition. The NYPD has taken a person of interest into custody, though charges had not been filed as of Sunday.

As Bronx car accident lawyers, we are deeply concerned about the prevalence of such incidents in our community. Hit-and-run accidents not only endanger lives but also complicate the pursuit of justice for victims.

Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Accidents

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NYC-Elevators-1Elevator accidents are rare but can have catastrophic consequences, especially in a densely populated borough like the Bronx. A recent incident at 1025 Boynton Ave highlights the dangers of negligent building maintenance. Luis Pavon, a 78-year-old resident, suffered severe injuries after falling down an elevator shaft, raising serious concerns about landlord accountability and tenant safety.

A Preventable Tragedy

On February 4, 2025, Mr. Pavon attempted to use the elevator on the sixth floor of his building. When he opened the door, he discovered the elevator car was still on the first floor. In a desperate attempt to avoid falling, he grabbed onto the elevator cables, sustaining severe lacerations to his hands, a broken rib, and a fractured back. His wife, Elmira Hernandez, described his injuries as life-altering and emphasized how easily this could have been a fatal accident.

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Accident sceneOn February 4, 2025, a tragic accident occurred on Manhattan’s FDR Drive, resulting in the death of a female driver and injuries to her 26-year-old male passenger. The incident took place around 2:45 a.m. near East 70th Street on the Upper East Side. The Tesla vehicle was reportedly traveling at high speeds when it struck a guardrail, overturned, and caught fire. Both occupants were ejected from the vehicle upon impact. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the passenger was transported to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell and is expected to recover.

This devastating event underscores the critical importance of adhering to traffic laws and understanding the legal implications of high-speed driving in New York City.

Legal Implications of High-Speed Driving in New York