Pedestrain Killed after being hit by Car in Baldwin

Two pedestrians on different parts of long island were hit by vehicles earlier. 

Evelyn Ramos-Coto, 33, was violently hit by a car while she was in the crosswalk on Grand Avenue, police said.  Evelyn was still conscious as EMT staff took her from the accident scene but later died at the hospital shortly after the accident.
 
The accident took place as she walked across the southbound left lane of Grand Avenue, at Lorenz Avenue. She was hit by a southbound 2001 Ford driven by a 37-year-old man, police said.

"The vehicle was impounded for brake and safety checks," police said. "Detectives report no apparent criminality at this time."

In Suffolk County, a teen boy is in serious condition after he was hit by a sport utility vehicle in West Babylon, police said.

The pedestrian/car accident took place on Straight Path near 12th Street in West Babylon, and the victim was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip with serious injuries, police said.


If you or someone you know has been injured as a pedestrian hit by a car call the experienced Injury Lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Keyless Remote Triggers Car to Explode

A woman, named Jackie, in Massachusetts tried to unlock her car trunk in the parking lot of a supermarket using a keyless remote... and then, just like out of a James Bond movie, the car exploded.

The blast destroyed the woman's Honda Civic and sent people running to the parking lot to see what had happened.

After a bomb squad thoroughly investigated the car it was determined the woman's boyfriend put welding equipment in the trunk. The keyless remote set off a tiny electrical charge that caused it to blow up.

The explosion was so great that it jolted nearby shoppers and neighbors who rushed to the scene. Jackie says she’s just thankful that no one was hurt. "There was a guy parked right next to me loading up his car so I don’t know how he didn’t get hurt,” she said. ”My trunk went flying over this whole row of cars into the next row, so I’m just thankful no one got hurt because it could have turned out really bad.”



If you or someone you know has been seriously injured due to a manufacturers defect or defective car part call the experienced product liability lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

DANGERS of unsafe wired glass in schools - statistics are startling

There are are approximately 2,300 school injuries yearly caused by unsafe wired glass.  Recently, the Portland Public School district was found negligent by an Oregon jury for not replacing a dangerous wired glass door panel.

In this injury case a 13-year-old student was rushing to class and attempted to open the door by kicking the metal crash bar.  She ended up slipping and her leg went easily through the lower wired glass pane severing two major nerves and 70% of her Achilles tendon.

During the trial, it was revealed that the state superintendent had issued a memo alerting all superintendents of the dangers of wired glass, and that the Portland district had lobbied against a state bill that would have required school districts to replace all wired glass in hazardous locations.

The wire threaded throughout the glass actually weakens the glass and increases the chances of breakage even under the relatively mild force.  Even worse, a student’s hand or leg that passes through the easily broken wired glass panel can be snared by the wire making resulting injuries more severe.

If you or someone you know was injured due to unsafe wired glass call the experienced personal injury lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Two men fall 25 feet off scaffolding

At the Crystal Mountain office complex in Southwest Austin two men (a father and son) fell off of a scaffolding from a height of 25 feet.  They were airlifted to a local hospital to be treated for their injuries.  

The father, in his 50s, and his son about 20, were drilling anchors into the wall when their ladders slipped.   “They were hanging awning on the side of the building. They were on two ladders leaning against the building,”

The two ladders were placed on a temporary scaffolding while construction was being done on the complex.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury after falling from a ladder or scaffolding call the experienced Construction Injury Lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878



More articles regarding Construction Injuries (Labor Law):
Why are Construction Site Injures so Dangerous?
Workplace Accidents

Subway Train Deaths Renew Push for Safety Measures on Platforms

Only four weeks into the new year and already we have seen a rash of recent subway train deaths.  From innocent individuals being pushed onto the train tracks to suicides -- these startling events are calling for the MTA to quickly make a decision on how to better improve safety measures on platforms.  

In 2013 there have been seven deaths after being hit by subway trains, which would yield a record-breaking 100 deaths in 2013 if the trend continues.  2012 saw 55 people die out of 141 who were hit by trains. 2011 saw 47 die out of 146 struck.

On Sunday, yet another person jumped in front of a train in an apparent suicide sparking a meeting where the MTA will discuss the possibility of installing safety barriers on platforms.  

"Another attempted suicide cannot become a commonplace occurrence in one of the largest transit systems in the world," Stringer said Sunday. He spoke before the NYPD said that the unidentified man who jumped in front of an R train in Brooklyn died.

"This is a troubling and dangerous trend with serious implications for the millions of commuters who ride the subway each day," Stringer said.

This isn't the first time the MTA has considered the installation of safety barriers. In 2007, Crown Infrastructure Solutions, an architectural and engineering firm, began talks with the agency to build out a full network of barriers at no charge to the MTA or straphangers, in return for being able to sell advertising on built-in screens. The platform-to-ceiling barriers would have been see-through, with sliding doors that lined up with the doors on the subway cars.

But after about four years of on-and-off talks, the project stalled, and the firm moved on to other transit systems, company president Michael Santora said.

"The MTA really just never moved forward on their part. We got as far as we could," Santora said.

"We never got any negative feedback from them that it wasn't a good system, it's just that no one's ever made a real move for it," he said, estimating that the project would've cost about $1.5 million to $2 million per station.

Russianoff said: "My bottom line is that people being struck or killed on a subway platform is a serious problem that deserves a serious answer. You can't just say, it's like the weather, there's nothing you can do about it."

Subway commuters agree.

"People have the tendency to cross the yellow line here and it would stop them from falling," said Marjan Adarkwa, 26, a Baychester straphanger. "If someone is drunk or if people get in a fight and got pushed, it would stop that."

Lin Lee, 27, of Flushing, agreed.

"Absolutely," Lee said of building the barriers. "It's kind of scary to listen to that kind of news so it makes sense."

If you or someone you know has been injured on a train or subway platform call the experienced Train Injury Lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

OTHER TRAIN ACCIDENT RELATED ARTICLES:

LIRR Train smashes into car killing two people

Person struck and killed by LIRR in Queens

Train Injuries - Falling through the gap

How to get some of the $40 Million Skechers Shape Ups Lawsuit

Skechers has agreed to a settlement of $40 million to consumers who purchased its Shape Ups after being mislead that the shoes would help give them Kim Kardashian's booty or Joe Montana's stamina. So how do you get your piece of the payout if you purchased the shoes months, if not years ago, and don't have a receipt?

No problem. This refund relies largely on the honor system.

Anyone who purchased the company's line of Shape-Up shoes -- or its Resistance Runners, Tone-ups or Toners -- is entitled to a partial refund whether they have proof of purchase or not, officials said Thursday.

Consumers are urged to submit a claim at www.skecherssettlement.com, fill out the online form and offer up any documentation or recollections that they might have -- details about the purchase, or perhaps a credit card receipt.

If you feel you have suffered injury due to the Skecher Shape Up click here.

RECALL ALERT: Reusable Breathing Circuit will cause serious injury

Date Class I Recall Initiated: January 3, 2013
Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.
Product: Reusable Breathing Circuit

Device Model: 900MR068

Lot Numbers: 110810 and 111020

Use: The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare reusable breathing circuit is a non-heated breathing circuit intended for oxygen therapy delivery for adult patients.

Recalling Firm:
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited
15365 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, California 92618

Reason for Recall: The tubes used in the reusable breathing circuit have pinholes. If these pinholes are not detected during the standard leak test before patient use, it could potentially result in a gas leak in the breathing system, which may lead to a loss of pressure for the intended ventilation therapy. Usage of the defective device may result in patient death.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury due to a defective Reusable Breathing Circuit call the experienced defective medical device attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-6694878

Sketcher's Shape-Ups a Real Let-Down. Can cause serious injury.

Have you suffered an injury while wearing Skechers Shape-Ups toning shoes?  Backed by celebrity endorsements by the likes of Kim Kardashian and former NFL quarterback Joe Montana, many consumers were easily led to believe the claims that the specialty sneakers can help wearers get in shape without having to step foot in a gym. 

Unfortunately, it is now clear that not only will these unusual shoes not deliver on the exercise promises but using them could lead to injury.  In fact medical professionals have recently issued warnings that toning shoes like Skechers Shape-Ups can result in a serious foot or leg injuries including:

•     Hip fractures:  broken, bruised.
•     Leg Injuries:  Strains and Sprains, Fractures, Dislocation, Joint Injuries, Shin Splints, Tendonitis, and Nerve Damage.
•     Ankle and foot fractures:  Stress Fractures, Fallen Arches, Hammer Toe, Turf Toe, Inflammation of the Forefoot, Plantar Fasciitis, and Joint Displacement.
•     Wrist injuries:  fractured, tears.
•     Head injuries: Coma, Concussion, Hematomas, Brain Damage, Hemorrhage, Skull Fracture, Contusions and Blood Clots.
•     Joint injuries
•     Tendon and ligament injuries
•     Spinal cord injuries

Hundreds of Skechers Shape-Ups Lawsuits Have Been Filed by Consumers who Suffered Broken Bones, Tendon and Ligament Damage, Serious Head and Spinal Cord Injuries.  If you have suffered injured call our experienced injury lawyers right away at 1-800-669-4878.

These claims indicate that Skechers Shapes-Ups produce a substantial risk of causing chronic injuries and inducing falls due to their elevated and unstable rocker-bottom sole, which alters gait mechanics and creates instability. Among other things, the lawsuit points out that Consumer Reports documented as of May 2011 that Skechers has seen more reports of injuries or complaints than any other product in its database.

Additional, potential Skechers Toning Shoe injuries include:

• Knee Injury
• Trimalleolar Ankle Fracture (this toning shoe injury involves fractures in all three malleoli of the ankle)
• Muscle Strains
• Dislocated Hip
• Ruptured Achilles Tendon

Due to strict filing deadlines, it is imperative you do not wait to contact a Skechers Shape-ups injury lawyer.  If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident while wearing a pair of Skechers Shape-Ups call the experienced Skechers Shape-Ups injury lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878.

RECALL NOTICE: PEEK Ardis Inserter could cause DEATH

Date of Class I Recall Initiated: December 21, 2012
Class I recalls are the most serious type of recall and involve situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.

Product: PEEK Ardis Inserter


Use: The PEEK Ardis Inserter is a surgical instrument used during spinal surgery to implant the PEEK Ardis Interbody Spacer.

Recalling Firm:
Zimmer Spine, Inc
7375 Bush Lake Road
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55439

Reason for Recall: Zimmer Spine has received reports of the PEEK Ardis Interbody Spacer breaking into fragments when too much lateral force is applied to the Ardis Inserter. If the PEEK Ardis Interbody Spacer breaks during implantation, surgical delays of up to 60 minutes could occur and health risks may include a tear in the thin covering of the spinal cord (dural tear), cerebrospinal fluid leakage, significant blood loss and nerve injury. Long-term health risks may include disability, dysfunction, or death.


If you or someone you know has been injured due to a defective medical device  call the experienced defective medical device attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

LIRR train smashes into car killing two people

As an equipment train (LIRR) approached the 2nd Street Crossing just west of Brentwood station, the engineer saw a car go around the crossing gate to make its way to the other side. The engineer blew his horn and pulled the emergency brake but was unable to avoid a collision. The train then dragged the vehicle underneath its front car before coming to a stop midway into the Brentwood station. While the vehicle was being dragged, both the vehicle and front train car burst into flames.

Once the fire was extinguished by the Brentwood Fire Department they discovered "two individuals in the wreckage pretty much burnt beyond recognition." The car owner has been identified but because of the condition of the bodies it will take some time before the victims can be identified. The engineer and one other crew member aboard the train were not injured.

At this point there is only speculation as to why the car did not heed the crossing gates, and though this type of incident is uncommon, Arenas concedes that these scenarios happen. "The railroad is an open system in that everybody has access to right of way. Some of them are behind a fence, some are not," Arenas explained. "People are intent on doing crazy things."


If you or someone you know has been injured on or by a train call the experienced personal injury attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

86-car pileup kills young girl and leaves at least 20 injured

Intense snow and icy roads led to what is being called one of the worst car accidents in Ohio in recent years.  A 12-year-old girl was killed and over 20 others were injured in an 86-car pileup in Cincinnati, Ohio

The horrific multiple chain-reaction collisions took place on Interstate 275, close to the Colerain Township suburb.

In horror one man screamed “She’s about to die,” as he filmed the crowd that had gathered around the helpless teenage girl.

According to a report from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, the young girl had exited a damaged vehicle and was standing on the shoulder near “a cable barrier, a type of fencing made of rope-like steel wire cables.”  An out-of-control car slammed into the barrier, “snapping a cable, which then struck the girl and killed her" office spokesman Jim Knapp.

At least 20 other people were taken to nearby hospitals with their injuries that are not expected to be life-threatening.  Scattered car wreckage forced the interstate to be closed for hours.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident call the experienced car accident lawyers of Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

How to drive on Black Ice

It is extraordinary difficult negotiating roads when a layer of black ice has formed.  Because traction is compromised during these roadway conditions you will need to modify your driving style.

How to drive on Black Ice:

1. First, being mindful of where black ice can form, and under what conditions, is critical in avoiding potential dangerous spots.  view the following list of "where black ice can form"
   
2. If you do find yourself on ice it is important to stay calm.  If/when possible, coast in a straight line (no braking, turning, or accelerating) until you’ve reached dry portion of roadway or pavement.
    
3. When turning a vehicle on ice, take it slowly so you can keep your car as upright as possible. Leaning into a turn requires a lot of lateral traction to keep your tires connected to the road. Without that traction on ice, your tires will quickly lose their grip and you may find yourself having a direct encounter with the ice.
    
4. If you must brake, ONLY use your rear brakes. This will keep your front tire rolling and in the best possible contact with the road surface.  The idea is to maximize your steering traction.
    
5. If you have and use a single studded tire, it is recommended to mount it on the front wheel because that will ensure better traction where you need it most—for steering.  If you anticipate ice on a road it is recommended to have a spare tire with studs.

The possible presence of black ice doesn't mean to stop driving.  It does mean to be more cautious.  Proper attention to the conditions that create black ice, avoiding turning or braking (when you can), and using the turning/braking techniques discussed above (when you must), will help when driving in icy conditions.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident during inclement weather call the experienced car accident attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Where are you most likely to encounter black ice?

• Roadside snow banks melting during the day can create a thin layer of water by the roadside that can turn to ice as the temperature drops later in the afternoon.  On a hill or curve, the black ice can stretch across the entire roadway.
• Plowing often leaves a layer of snow between tire tracks on the road surface that can melt during the day and refreeze as black ice at night.  Sidewalks and bike paths may have snow on the uphill side, which melts across them and refreezes.
• Bridges and overpasses are prime territory for black ice, because air temperature beneath the bridge can drop lower than the ground temperature normally beneath the road. Highway departments are often reluctant to deposit salt on bridges to avoid the corrosive effects on the bridge’s metal, making bridges even more treacherous.
• Underpasses can also be prone to black ice, because they generally get no sunlight.  If the underpass is at the base of a descent, water will naturally pool there creating a dangerous "black ice" zone.
•  Car’s tailpipe spits out condensation (water).  Be cautious for black ice around areas where cars have been idling, for example, at traffic lights or in driveways.

If you do encounter Black Ice it is important to know how to navigate your car.  Please review our Guide on "How To Drive on Black Ice"

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a car accident call the experienced car accident lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Toyota settles first wrongful death lawsuit regarding Sudden Acceleration

Toyota Motor Corp. has settled the first in a group of hundreds of pending wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits stemming from the sudden, unintended acceleration by Toyota vehicles.

Agreement was reached in a case brought by the family of Paul Van Alfen and Charlene Jones Lloyd.

They died when their Toyota Camry slammed into a wall in Utah in 2010.  The financial terms cannot be disclosed at this time.

The remaining lawsuits are not affected by the settlement.

Last month Toyota agreed to a settlement worth more than $1 Billion to resolved hundreds of lawsuit claiming economic losses Toyota owners suffered when the Japanese auto-maker recalled millions of vehicles.

If you or someone you know has suffered injured due to a defected car call the experienced product liability attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Coram Woman struck and killed by three cars on North State Parkway

A long island woman from Coram was struck and killed by three cars on the Northern State Parkway in Commack, State Officers said.

She was later identified as Sheila L. Robinson, 50, of 9 Country Club Rd., according to Senior Investigator Thomas Hughes of the Major Crimes Unit of Troop L.

State police spokesman Frank Bandiero said the accident, which occurred at 6:11 a.m. between Exits 42 and 43 on the westbound roadway, remains under investigation.

It is not clear why Robinson was on the parkway, he said.  Anyone with information regarding this incident is being asked to contact investigator Richard Esposito at 631-231-6389.

The driver of the Volkswagen Passat, the first car to strike Robinson, left the scene but was later found, police said. Two other vehicles also hit her, he said. No charges were filed.

The accident closed the road between the two exits for several hours, police said.

This is the second fatal crash Commack has seen in as many weeks.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident call the experience Vehicle Accident Lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Danger of Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol

Some energy drinks not only contain high amounts of caffeine and sugar but also high amounts of alcohol and have been associated with serious side effects, including death. 

Some states, including New York, have banned drinks that combine alcohol and caffeine, but many people continue to mix them through Red Bull-vodka cocktails, among others. 

"The combination of alcohol and caffeine may lead to adverse effects, as the presence of caffeine increases the absorption of alcohol, which can increase intoxication," Shapiro says. 

Although many people may think that the caffeine in these drinks can prevent the drowsiness associated with drinking alcohol, it cannot prevent the effects that alcohol has on the brain.

If you have been seriously injured by a defective product call the experienced product liability lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Fast Food Linked to Allergic Reactions

Kids who eat fast food three or more times a week are likely to have more severe allergic reactions, a large new international study suggests.

These include bouts of asthma, eczema and hay fever (rhinitis).  The study doesn't prove that burgers, chicken snacks and fries cause the problems, but the evidence of an association is compelling, researcher say.

Children and adolescents from Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty were part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) which looked at the diet and health of more than 319,000 13 to 14 year olds from 51 countries and more than 181,000 six to seven year olds in 31 countries.

The results showed a link between an increased consumption of fast food symptoms of asthma and eczema in children and adolescents.

"The study adds to a growing body of evidence of the possible harms of fast foods," said study co-author Hywel Williams, a professor of dermato-epidemiology at the University of Nottingham, England.

Williams cautioned, however, that fast food might not be the cause.  "It could be due to other factors linked to behavior that we have not measured, or...to biases that occur in studies that measure disease and ask about previous food intake." he said.

Does Night Blindness Increase Car Accidents?

What is Night Blindness?

Night blindness (Nyctalopia in technical terms) is when you trouble seeing in poor light or at night.  In other words, something is defective in your eyes.  There are a variety of causes.  Genetics, medicines, lack of vitamin A, or age. 

How do you know if you suffer from Night Blindness?

If you are concerned about the possibility that you or a loved one has night blindness, consider getting tested.  Any eye doctor can perform the test for you to identify the level of light at which you can see an object. If you cannot see at a normal level, then you have some form of night blindness.

How will Night Blindness effect my daily live?

Those who suffer from night blindness are at a higher risk for car accidents. The problem is, no one is really sure how many accidents are caused by drivers who have trouble seeing at night, but logic dictates that if you have trouble seeing, you are more likely to get in an accident.

Is there Treatment for Night Blindness?

If the night blindness is caused by a vitamin A deficiency, then an increase in vitamin A may resolve the problem.  Though doctors are working on solutions there is currently no known cure for genetic based Night Blindness.

It is not worth the risk of having a car accident because you don’t see well at night.  You are putting yourself and others on the road in danger.  Consider checking with a trained eye doctor to find out if there is anything you can do to improve the problem.  Try avoiding trying after sunset and take all necessary precautions to drive safely during poor light times of the day and night.

If you or someone you now has been injured due to the negligence of another call the experienced Car Accident lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Woman falls through concrete sidewalk in NYC

A NYC woman collapsed through a Manhattan sidewalk after the concrete outside a restaurant gave way on the Upper East Side. 

The woman, who was not immediately identified, was quickly rescued by FDNY and EMS crews after falling seven feet into a vault outside the Atomic Wings restaurant at East 60th Street and Second Avenue. 

She is in stable condition at New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

If you or someone you know has suffered injury due to the negligence of another call the experienced injury lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878.

NYC Ferry Crash hurls people down stairs and into walls injuring 85

A high-speed ferry loaded with hundreds of early morning rush hour commuters from New Jersey crashed into a lower manhattan dock seriously injuring 85 people.

The Seastreak Wall Street ferry hit the dock pulling into Pier 11 near the South Street Seaport just before 9 a.m., opening a huge gash on the front side of the boat.


"You couldn't tell it was getting ready to dock it was just coming in you didn't know it hit something and it was a disaster," said Tony Lucia, an injured ferry passenger.  "Everyone flew, everyone just flew, and people were on the ground," Lucia said.

It took more then two hours for paramedics to treat victims on site.   There were 343 on board at the time, including five crew members.  Some of the passengers suffering serious head injuries.

"Nothing seemed like it was going to be out of the ordinary," passenger Chris Avore said. "There was once or twice where I was talking with a colleague where we actually thought it was coming in a little hot near Brooklyn, where we're not used to seeing it. Then the next thing we knew, you feel the jolt and then everybody goes flying."

Dozens of people were taken from the ferry on stretchers, rushed to New York Downtown Hospital or New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center on the Upper East Side for treatment. Hundreds were evaluated on the dock in a makeshift triage area and on the ferry.

"Once you basically pass the Statue of Liberty, you pretty much know that you're going to be there soon, so a lot of people start standing up, milling around, getting their coats and everything like that," Avore said. "Anybody who was standing went to the ground."

Most of the injuries were on the upper level, where the people were standing while waiting to disembark. The man who suffered the critical head injury apparently fell down the stairs, possibly cracking the window. He was reportedly rushed into surgery and has been upgraded to stable condition. The second person critically injured also suffered a head injury.

The cause of the crash is unknown, but sources say the catamaran only recently was put back into service after being damaged during Superstorm Sandy. The Coast Guard was on site inspecting the vessel and the pier, which reopened shortly after noon. The National Transportation Safety Board has also dispatched a team to investigate the crash.

The captain of the Seastreak Ferry told federal investigators the vessel had a mechanical failure that prevented him from putting the boat into reverse.

Unfortunately, the Seastreak Wall Street has been in several accidents before.  Coast Guard records state the ferry hit a cluster of fender piles while docking in 2010, punching a hole in the ship's hull. In 2009, it suffered another tear on the bow after another minor docking collision. No one was injured in either of those mishaps.

The naval architecture firm that designed the reconfiguration, Incat Crowther, said in an August news release that the ferry's water-jet propulsion system had been replaced with a new system of propellers and rudders to save fuel costs and reduce pollution. The hull was also reworked and the ship made 15 metric tons lighter. At top speed, the ferry travels at around 35 knots, or 40 mph.

Ferry accidents are all too common in New York.  In 2003, a Staten Island Ferry crashed into a pier on Staten Island after its pilot passed out at the wheel killing 11 people. Three people were badly hurt and about 40 injured when the same ferry hit the same pier in 2010 injuring 43 people.

If you or someone you know has been injured due to a ferry accident call the experienced Ferry Accident Maritime Injury Lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Police Officer, Patrick Curley, Killed in Collision with Truck

After colliding with a garbage truck an off-duty suffolk county police officer, Patrick Curley (a 17-year police veteran of Second Precinct)  was killed.  

The accident, which occurred on a stretch of highway that some residents and business owners say is plagued by crashes, is under investigation.  About 3:30 a.m., Curley, 40, of Huntington, was driving west on Jericho Turnpike near Siracusa Boulevard.  His black Volvo XC90 slammed into the truck as it backed out of a business, police said.

Patrick Curley, who was married with a 2-year-old daughter, patrolled the Melville area for years and was recently reassigned to Commack and Dix Hills.

The driver of the Winters Bros. garbage truck, James Jarosch, 59, of Ronkonkoma, who was not injured in the crash, was on his regular garbage truck route collecting trash from restaurants and small businesses early Friday when the accident occurred.

A business owner and a resident of the area near the crash said that part of Jericho Turnpike is known for frequent accidents.

"I can't tell you how many accidents we've had here," said Michael Gries, 52, owner of Michael's Garden Center.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident call the experienced car accident lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878

Fence Built to increase safety on Hempstead Turnpike

On what is considered one of Nassau Counties most dangerous stretches of road for pedestrians, a physical barrier is being installed to discourage people from midblock crossings.

Located across from Nassau University Medical Center, the 4 feet high fence is located on the traffic median in an area heavily trafficked by vehicles and pedestrians.

The median fencing is part of a multimillion-dollar safety upgrade of the turnpike throughout Nassau County.  The improvements were supposed to be done in the fall, but state officials said that superstorm Sandy cleanup and cold weather delayed the work.

The safety plan was accepted once an investigation of police accident reports from 2005 through 2010 found that people on foot were killed an average of more than five times a year on the road's 16 miles through Nassau. Thirty-two people were killed and at least 427 injured in 457 pedestrian incidents on the road over the six years studied.

Nearly Seventy percent of the pedestrians killed on the turnpike from 2005 through 2010 were not at an intersection when they were hit by a car.

The Tri-State Transportation Campaign, a transportation advocacy group, has named 

Hempstead Turnpike in Nassau County has been named the most dangerous road for pedestrians in the metropolitan region four times since 2008 by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.

As recent as this past thursday a pedestrian was critically injured after being hit by a car on the turnpike near Uniondale Avenue.

If you or someone you know has been injured after being hit by a car call the experienced personal injury lawyers at Buttafuoco & Associates 1-800-669-4878.