New York Personal Injury Law Blog

The number of pedestrians killed in New York City last year topped more than 130 in 2011.

New statistics released from the New York Department of Transportation indicate that, of those killed in pedestrian accidents in New York City, 47 were senior citizens and three were children.

Our New York City car accident attorneys are encouraged, however, that the number of pedestrian fatalities is reportedly at its lowest ever, and further that it reflects a 31 percent reduction since 2001.

But with so many potential hazards on New York City streets, both pedestrians and motorists must remain on guard.

The Department of Transportation reports that traffic crashes cost the city's economy an estimated $4.29 billion every year.

The main causes for pedestrian deaths were driver inattention and the pedestrian's failure to yield. The most serious New York City crashes involving pedestrians happened on major roadways, as opposed to quieter streets.

In fact, pedestrians accounted for 52 percent - more than half - of all traffic fatalities in the city. In most cases where pedestrians were killed or seriously hurt, the driver was male and the vehicle was private, as opposed to a taxi or city bus.

Manhattan, in particular, is known to be the most dangerous of all the five boroughs, with four times as many pedestrians killed there than anywhere else.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said his department was committed to continuing to reduce all traffic deaths in New York City by enforcing laws regarding some of the riskiest behind-the-wheel behavior - namely, drunk driving, distracted driving, and failure to wear a seatbelt.

Based on a recent analysis of pedestrian fatalities, the transportation department has committed to improving pedestrian safety in the following ways:

--Outfitting an estimated 1,500 intersections with pedestrian countdown signals.

--Testing to see whether a 20 mph speed limit would increase pedestrian safety in local neighborhoods.

--Implementing a pilot program in Manhattan to improve visibility in left turn lanes.

ESPN is reporting that an escalator maintenance company has settled out of court for an undislosed sum as an escalator accident case begins in state Superior Court.

Our New York City personal injury lawyers have reported several recent cases of serious or fatal elevator or escalator accidents. Recently, The New York Times reported a woman was crushed to death in an elevator shortly after it had been serviced.

The current case in court involves an accident at Giants Stadium, which seriously injured several people, including a man who lost part of his leg. The trial continues against the other defendants, including the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates the stadium.

Witnessses say the escalator sped up and then stopped suddenly, sending riders tumbling to the bottom.

Elevators and escalators are part of everyday life in the New York City area. And, while they are taken for granted, New York leads the nation in elevator and escalator accidents, according to government statistics. As this case illustrates, these are complex cases that often involve elevator and escalator manufacturers, maintenance companies and business and property owners.

The victim in this case said the escalator step broke apart and swallowed his leg as it sped toward the bottom. He has undergone five surgeries and years of treatment. His right leg was amputated below the knee in December 2010. Another victim has had a dozen surgical procedures and could yet lose his foot.

Attorneys for the victims contend the sports authority knew the escalators could speed up or stop suddenly when overloaded and did nothing about the issue, despite an incident that occurred in 2000.

The stadium was torn down in 2010 to make way for MetLife Stadium, which is shared by the Giants and Jets.

Only 1 in 7 hospital errors are recognized and reported by employees, according to a report in the New York Times. Medical malpractice and Medical errors in New York City are a tragically common occurence.

It's an election year. And that means politicians will no-doubt begin carrying the banner of tort reform. Despite the fact that numerous studies have shown that malpractice claims account for substantially less than 10 percent of medical costs, the politiicans who are elected to represent you will again champion the cause of hospitals and insurers everywhere. Limiting your rights to sue, or limiting your abilities to collect damages, will be at the top of the list.

Yet by the medical industry's own estimates, nearly 100,000 people a year die as a result of preventable medical error -- that's three times more people than die in car accidents each year. Our Manhattan medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those injured by doctor or hospital error, including birth injuries, defective medical products and missed diagnosis.

Not only do the vast majority of medical errors go unreported, but medical facilities do little to change their practices in the wake of "adverse events," according to the new government report by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Tracking medical errors and analyzing causes is a requirment of being paid under Medicare. Nearly all hospitals have a system for employees to inform supervisors when a patient is exposed to harm.

"Despite the existence of incident reporting systems," said Daniel Levinson, DHS's insepctor general. "Hospital staff did not report most events that harmed Medicare beneficiaries."

Most serious problems, including some that lead to patient death, go unreported, accoridng to the report. Common errors include severe bedsores, infections and medical complications. Overuse of painkillers and excessive bleeding due to the improper use of bloodthinners was also cited. Many of the errors were discovered by indepedent doctors reviewing medical documents at the request of the government.

The government estimates more than 130,000 Medicare patients are victimized by medical error each month.

In previous discussions about the epidemic of medical errors, experts reported issues with hospital employees fearing to admit mistakes. This report indicates many hospital employees do not have the knowledge or training to even understand that a mistake has occurred.

While the Obama Administration and hospital leaders have made reducing medical errors a high priority, the report found that many hospitals have not put into practice the steps necessary to reduce the risk of such errors.

Car Accidents in New York are going to be a common sight if drivers aren't more careful on snowy and icy roadways.  According to MSNBC, strong gusts of wind and virtually zero visibility were the cause of numerous recent highway accidents across the northeastern portion of the U.S.  Meteorologists predicted wind gusts of nearly 50 miles per hour earlier this week for our area.

"Cold and windy conditions are forecast to prevail across much of the northeastern quarter of the country," said the National Weather Service.

Our New York Car Accidents Lawyers understand how dangerous it can be to drive through our state's winter weather.  Snow and ice are causing plenty of headaches on our highways.  Drivers are asked to be cautious on the roadways as we travel through the winter season. 

Drivers are encouraged to adjust their driving habits to accommodate the current weather conditions.  

The New York State Thruway Authority is here to offer some safe winter driving tips to help keep you safe through the upcoming winter storms.  The Authority strives to keep roads drivable at reasonable speeds during the wicked winter weather.  It's important for motorists to take the proper safety precautions while traveling during this time.

Winter Driving Tips:

-Get your vehicle checked out by a mechanic before the winter season.

-Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times.

-Keep a first-aid kit and an emergency kit in your car.

-Always wear your seat belt.  Make sure all your passengers are buckled up as well before starting the car.

-Slow down when weather gets wicked. Remember that the posted speed limits are for travel during ideal weather conditions.

-Don't use your vehicle's cruise control option during wintry weather conditions.

-Keep to the right unless you're passing another vehicle.

-Never tailgate.

-Allow snowplows with plenty of room.

-In the event of an emergency, do not stop in lanes of travel.

-Always use your turn signals, especially when weather conditions are poor.

-Be easy on the brakes.  Your car is much more likely to slip and slide on snowy and icy roadways.

-If you feel uncomfortable driving in the current weather conditions, pull over and wait it out.

-Check weather and traffic conditions before leaving the house.

-Leave with plenty of time to spare to avoid rushing.

-Know where you're going.  Look through directions before getting in and going.  This will help you to avoid distractions like a road map or a GPS device.

-Use your headlights.  It's required by law.

-Never walk along the roadway. If you're stranded, wait inside the vehicle with your seat belt on.  In an emergency, call 1-800-842-2233 or 911.