New York City Motor Vehicle Accidents Law Blog

Truckers who carry cargo on trailers behind their rig can wreak havoc on roads if they fail to regularly check their truck for safety. While New York truck drivers may be stopped randomly by police officers or Department of Transportation inspectors, the best person to inspect a loaded truck is the person driving it. That means checking that the cargo area of the truck is securely fastened to the front of the vehicle, testing the brakes and tires, and making sure that items on a truck are securely tied down.

Investigators are still trying to determine why a trucking accident occurred in the small town of Truxton, New York. A powerful truck was pulling a trailer piled with smashed cars when the trailer portion broke free and flew across the road into oncoming traffic. A minivan was unable to avoid a collision with the runaway trailer, and a horrific accident resulted. Three adults and four children riding in the minivan were killed.

Each year, over ten thousand Americans are killed by drunk drivers. In other words, someone dies at the hands of an intoxicated driver roughly every half hour. While the negligent drivers are almost always remorseful and apologetic, the families of the victims are never the same. Indeed, a drunk driving accident can be devastating for a spouse, children, friends and other family members who must rebuild a life without their loved one.

In some cases, an intoxicated driver who causes a fatality does not receive a long amount of jail time. For instance, a 27-year old woman from West Reading, New York recently began serving a prison sentence after she killed a 48-year old woman in a drunk driving accident. The court imposed only an 11 ½ to 23 month prison term despite the fact that her blood alcohol level was .18% which is substantially greater that the .08 legal limit. Perhaps the court was swayed by letters from her employers calling the former physician’s assistant smart and hardworking. 

It can be challenging to live and work in New York City. Rent and mortgage payments are some of the highest in the world causing many people to move to the City's suburbs or neighboring states. In exchange for more space and cheaper housing, over a million workers commute to New York City and back each day. Commuters may utilize buses or take the subway or a train to get to and from work. Usually these methods are seamless, but occasionally riders are injured in a public transportation accident.

Approximately 70 commuters suffered injuries when an eastbound, afternoon rush hour train came off the rails approximately two hours after it left New York City. When the train derailed, it blocked the way of a separate train travelling west. A crash ensued, causing trains to stop and lurch about while smoke entered some of the cabins. Victims of the crash were taken to area hospitals, and two people were reported to be in critical condition; amazingly, there were no fatalities. 

Mother’s day is a time for families to enjoy the day together. Each family has its own traditions which might include cooking a special breakfast in bed, taking a bike ride, or planting summer flowers with loved ones. Holidays are always a good time to reflect on the special people in life and take time to show them appreciation. Without a doubt, no one wants to spend Mother’s Day at a hospital, worrying about a family member’s serious injuries stemming from a roadway accident.

This past Mother’s day, two adults and two teenagers were taken to New York medical centers for treatment of injuries caused when the Jeep they were riding in was broadsided by a Toyota. The Jeep’s driver was unhurt and two passengers were able to exit the car, but two other passengers were trapped in the vehicle, requiring emergency workers to dismantle the crumpled Jeep. Authorities did not release the condition of the four injured people. Investigators explained that the 36-year old driver of the Toyota turned directly in front of the Jeep which forced the Jeep to roll over.