Ontario County, NY—A detached dump truck bed straddling the New York State Thruway near Manchester in Ontario County, New York caused two automobiles to become involved in separate crashes, consequently resulting in a total of 17 driver and passenger injuries. The series of motor vehicle collisions (MVC) occurred on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 around 4:30 a.m. New York State Police (NYSP) authorities are in the process of determining whether the primary motor vehicle accident, in which the box of the dump truck struck a County Route 7 overpass, disengaged and landed on the roadway, was prompted by a mechanical issue or driver error, reported the DemocratAndChronicle.com.

According to information provided, 49-year-old dump truck operator identified as John Hoey was reported to be driving east on the New York State Thruway, otherwise known as the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway, when the bed of the dump truck lifted for unknown reasons. Upon doing so, it struck the County Route 7 overpass at mile marker 337 and subsequently detached from the body of the truck, coming to a rest in the roadway. The truck was stopped in the median of the thruway after the incident.

Soon after the initial dump truck accident, 47-year-old motorist Max Itzkowitz, who was traveling in a 2004 Chevrolet passenger van, occupied by two adults and eight children, tried to swerve away from the box but failed to do so. The passenger van “side-swiped” the dump truck’s bed. All of the vehicle’s occupants suffered injuries in the wreck and had to be taken to hospitals in Rochester, New York. Two of the children riding in the vehicle were airlifted via medical helicopter for severe injuries. Moments later, another dump truck box-involved collision occurred, in which a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban sport utility vehicle violently hit the box. The driver, identified as 31-year-old Yosef Compton, two adult passengers and four children, were all injured and required medical attention after the SUV accident. While the extent of the 17 injuries acquired in the series of crashes were undisclosed by NYSP officials, two were allegedly deemed to be critical. The eastbound lanes of the New York Thruway, between exit 43 (Manchester) and exit 42 (Geneva), were closed to motorists for hours, pending preliminary investigations into the injurious motor vehicle accidents. New York State Police deputies are expected to conduct a full probe into the crashes.

Leading auto accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter states if you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an automobile accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. With over thirty years of experience litigating the complex claims of auto accident victims and their families, contacting the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter with regard to your personal injury case may help you obtain the reparations you deserve. 


Experienced personal injury lawyer
Jonathan C. Reiter
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811  
New York, NY 10118  
Phone: (212) 736-0979
Website: www.jcreiterlaw.com

New York City, NY—Metropolitan Transit Authorities (MTA) are expected to conduct a full investigation into a tragic on the job accident that resulted in the death of a New York City Transit supervisor at approximately 4:30 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010. According to reports, a city transit employee was electrocuted by the third rail of the elevated train tracks during rainy weather conditions in Queens.  While the incident, which marked the first NYC transit worker death to occur in three years, may appear to have happened by unfortunate chance, a comprehensive probe will be required to validate that hypothesis. News coverage concerning the deadly workplace accident also noted that under NYC Transit safety regulations, employees are barred from working near the live third rail if it is “raining or the area is rain-slicked”, according to information provided by the New York Daily News.

Reports stated veteran NYC Transit supervisor James Knell, 45, was picking up an over-night shift for a fellow employee when the accident occurred on the A line, in close proximity to the Beach 90th Street station in Rockaway Beach. Inconsistent downpours had been reported throughout the night Knell was working, however, it was unknown whether the rain had come to a complete stop or continued to fall lightly at 4:30 a.m. Knell was allegedly finishing up his work and went to recover a bucket of spikes left on the railway tracks when he slipped on the wet tracks, consequently landing on the electrified third rail. Knell, an employee with NYC Transit for 13 years, was electrocuted and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

According to Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 President John Samuelsen, “Working in the rain around a live third rail is inherently dangerous, it shouldn’t happen… A man is not going home to his family.” Knell leaves behind his wife, Jackie, who is devastated by the accident. Investigations into the fatal transit-related accident are expected to be underway.

New York Workplace injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter states if you or a loved one has suffered injury or death due to neglect in the workplace, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. With over three decades of experience litigating the complex claims of victims and family members of those injured or killed on the job, contacting the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter with regard to your workplace injury or wrongful death case may help you acquire the monetary damages you deserve.

Leading New York  Injury Lawyer
Jonathan C. Reiter
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811  
New York, NY 10118  
Phone: (212) 736-0979
Website: www.jcreiterlaw.com

New York, NY— Recent news reports have revealed that while the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) installed over 4,000 security cameras in New York subways, half of them are allegedly defective. The discovery has raised tension amongst many New York subway commuters, especially in light of recent events. Such occurrences included a Sunday, March 28, 2010 subway murder, in which the culprit involved in a fatal stabbing managed to escape as transportation security cameras negligently failed to capture his criminal acts. A deadly Monday morning, March 29, 2010 terrorist attack, in which two suicide bombers detonated two explosives in Moscow, Russia, killing 39 victims and injuring over 100 others, has also raised public scrutiny on the MTA’s alleged failure to maintain a legitimate subway security system, according to information provided by NBC New York.

While MTA spokesperson Aaron Donovan contends allegations stating half of the New York subway systems security cameras don’t work are false, he also noted the wiring processes for many of the newly installed cameras are underway, with 910 cameras to be activated by June of this year. However, it was not stated when the remaining cameras will be up and running, subsequently posing increased potential safety hazards to New York commuters. The MTA reported there are over 2,200 functioning cameras in place currently, as well as New York Police Department (NYPD) officials patrolling the subways at all times. Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated Tuesday, March 30, 2010, “I think it’s fair to say the MTA does not have enough money to provide the level of security that people want and that we should have… If we didn’t learn the need for security in the subway system time and time in the past, yesterday or the day before should have taught us again.” MTA spokesperson Kevin Ortiz noted, “The safety and security of our customers is the MTA’s top priority… In a post-9/11 world we have worked together to harden our infrastructure, secure sensitive areas and prioritize locations for surveillance cameras.”

Leading New York subway accident attorney Jonathan C. Reiter states if you or a loved one have been injured or killed due to negligent subway transportation security, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. With over thirty years of experience in personal injury litigation, contacting the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter with regard to your subway security-related injury claim may help you obtain the reparations you deserve.


Experienced New York Subway Accident Lawyer
Jonathan C. Reiter
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811  
New York, NY 10118  
Phone: (212) 736-0979
Website: www.jcreiterlaw.com

New York, NY—Maintenance issues aboard certain American Airlines aircraft have prompted the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose $1,087,500 in penalties since March 12, 2010. FAA inspections revealed the airlines failure to uphold appropriate maintenance of its jets, which posed potential aviation safety hazards to flight crewmembers and passengers, according to information provided by the Star-Telegram. While the proposed penalties are steep, American Airlines was not the only airline to face maintenance-related fees. Northwest Airlines was cited for its failure to conduct windshield wiring inspections, resulting in $1.45 million in FAA-proposed penalties, reported the Minneapolis / St. Paul business Journal.

According to federal regulators, “American maintenance workers failed to properly document a malfunctioning speed indicator on an MD-82 jet in February 2009”. Reports noted that on February 2, 2009, maintenance crews deemed the pitot tube warning light to be defective and subsequently delayed repairs in accordance with approved procedures. However, the pitot tube light was actually doing its job by attempting to warn American flight crews that the pitot tube heater itself was out of order. The American Airlines plane reportedly made a total of five trips, unbeknownst to the fact that the pitot tube heater was not working. Planes are equipped with pitot tube heaters as a means of preventing the pitot tube, which measures the aircraft’s airspeed, from becoming frozen and presenting incorrect readings. According to reports, a frozen pitot tube might have been the cause of the Air France Flight 447 crash, which resulted in 216 passenger fatalities as well as 12 crewmember deaths on June 1, 2009. 

According to American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith, “Safety is a fundamental to the American Airlines culture and to our success… American is the only U.S. airline that continues to handle the majority of its heavy maintenance with in-house, FAA-certified mechanics that have met and passed all FAA experience requirements, written tests, and practical examinations.” American Airlines reported has 30 days to contest the FAA’s findings and proposed penalties.

Leading aviation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter states if you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to an airline’s failure to maintain safety aboard its aircraft, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. With over thirty years of experience in the field of aviation litigation, contacting the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter with regard to your aviation-related claim may help you obtain the reparations you deserve.


New York aviation litigation news by New York injury attorney
Jonathan C. Reiter
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811  
New York, NY 10118  
Phone: (212) 736-0979
Website: www.jcreiterlaw.com

Harrison, NY (News)—For the fourth time in the last four months, crewmembers and passengers aboard a US Airways airliner reported smelling a foul odor throughout the plane’s cabin, subsequently resulting in the hospitalization of nine of the plane’s occupants Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Several people aboard the Boeing 767 aircraft experienced symptoms including alleged respiratory issues and eye irritations. The US Airways plane with the tail number 251 has been grounded for the fourth time and is under investigation by US Airways and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials, as a means of finding out what may have caused the suspected cabin air contamination incident, according to information provided by NewsChannel 36.

Medic emergency medical services (EMS) personnel responded to the airport to transport seven members of the crew and two passengers to Carolinas Medical Center after they reported feeling ill due to an onboard “electrical” odor. As of 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, eight of the nine victims were released from the medical center after being treated for their symptoms while the remaining passengers were transferred onto another flight to continue their scheduled trip from Charlotte, North Carolina to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Reports noted the same aircraft was involved in three other incidents on December 28, 2009, December 30, 2009, and January 16, 2010. An engine oil leak caused the January 16 incident, in which victims complained of ongoing neurological symptoms including “headaches, joint pain, tingling, and numbness in their hands and feet, as well as memory and reaction time issues”, according to news coverage from WIVB.  The December incidents were reportedly prompted by a hydraulic fluid (Skydrol) leak.

In a letter written to US Airways concerning previous incidents of cabin air contamination, the United States Airline Pilots Association (USAPA) and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) stated, “It is unacceptable to expose crew members and passengers to these toxins, and it is also unacceptable to deny associated workers’ compensation claims and keep passengers in the dark”, simultaneously insisting on the use of improved filtrations systems and less noxious engine oil. According to a scientist from the AFA, “Sometimes the engines leak oil and those oils are highly toxic”, leaving victims with respiratory issues, headaches, tremors, and memory loss as a result of the toxic fumes, which can hastily spread throughout airplane cabins. Investigations into these reoccurring fume-events are expected to be underway.

Leading New York defective products attorney Jonathan C. Reiter states if you or a loved one have suffered enduring symptoms caused by a cabin air contamination incident due to an aircraft engine oil leak, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. With over thirty years of experience in the field of aviation litigation, contacting the New York injury attorney

Personal Injury Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter with regards to your aviation-related defective product claim may help you obtain the reparations you deserve. 

Experienced  New York defective products lawyer
Jonathan C. Reiter
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811  
New York, NY 10118  
Phone: (212) 736-0979
Website: www.jcreiterlaw.com

Harrison, NY (News)—Authorities from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are expected to probe yet another runaway Toyota Prius incident, in which a motorist contended sudden acceleration issues were the cause of a Tuesday, March 9, 2010 motor vehicle collision (MVC). The accident comes merely one day after a California Highway Patrol trooper jumped into action to help a Prius driver slow down his vehicle after it accelerated to speeds of approximately 90 miles per hour on a 30-mile stretch on Interstate 8. Though formal investigations are essential in proving the legitimacy behind this particular claim of a sticking accelerator pedal, responding police deputies apparently lacked any indication that the crash was caused by driver error, according to information provided by the National Public Radio.

Officials from the Harrison Police Department allegedly reported receiving a statement from the unidentified 56-year-old victim, in which she stated the vehicle sped up as she was driving down a long curving driveway, consequently sending the 2005 Prius careening across a roadway where it violently crashed into a stone wall. Thankfully, injuries sustained in the motor vehicle accident were deemed to be non-life threatening. According to Harrison Police Capt. Anthony Marraccini, the badly damaged vehicle remains at the police station although a regional Toyota official reportedly inquired about obtaining the vehicle for independent investigatory purposes. However, police officials decided to let federal regulators look further into the incident instead, noting that the vehicle “belongs to the owner, not to Toyota”. The Harrison, New York crash came as yet another blow to the Toyota Motor Corporation, which has recalled over 8 million vehicles and faces a long list of pending litigation, ranging from class-action cases to wrongful death and personal injury lawsuits. The highly scrutinized automaker has also been linked to 56 fatal accidents with regard to sticking accelerator pedals and other safety issues, subsequently establishing obvious potential dangers for Toyota customers. DOT investigations are reported underway.

With over three decades of experience litigating the complex claims of auto accident victims and their families, contacting the Law Firm of Jonathan C. Reiter with regard to your personal injury or product liability case may help you acquire sufficient compensation for your injuries and damages.

Automobile accident news by leading injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter handling all serious injury or death cases as a result of auto accidents including those prompted by a defective Toyota vehicle.

Experienced personal injury lawyer
Jonathan C. Reiter
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811  
New York, NY 10118  
Phone: (212) 736-0979
Website: www.jcreiterlaw.com

New York City, NY - Experienced New York City premises liability lawyer, Jonathan C. Reiter, reports that fifteen people sustained injuries when the ceiling of a glass atrium at a Manhattan high-rise shattered due to falling ice and snow midnight Saturday, February 27, 2010, according to the New York Times.

Authorities reported to the scene of the Sony Building located at 550 Madison Avenue between 55th Street and 56th Street in Midtown Manhattan. New York police department officials (NYPD) and emergency medical services responded to the serious incident. It was reported that ice had fallen from the 32nd floor of the 37 story high-rise sending two three by five foot long panels of glass crashing down on the people gathered below in the Atrium. There were eight people taken to the hospital in ambulances to be treated at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Fire Department officials (FDNY) reported that the seven other victims who sustained injuries refused medical treatment. The owners of the building were cited by the New York City Buildings Department for failure to adequately maintain the property. The building owners had reportedly been given a warning on Friday prior to the incident, to clear away the snow or ice that may pose a threat after the storm. The City may fine the building owners up to $25,000 for failing to address the hazardous situation sooner.

When a New York City building owner does not adequately maintain their property or fails to use due care to prevent accidents or injury to visitors, they may be held liable for injuries that occur as a result. Visitors, or guests should not have to fear for their safety in any public or privately owned building due to dangerous or unsafe property conditions. It is a New York City property owner's legal responsibility to sustain a secure and safe premise for all. If someone becomes injured or tragically dies on an owner's property, the owner may be held responsible under New York's premises liability laws.

If you have been the victim of a premises liability accident, an experienced New York City premises liability attorney can help you exercise your legal right to seek compensation for pain and suffering, financial hardship, and medical bills.

Premises liability news by New York City premises liability lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter handling all premises liability cases. Contact New York City premises liability attorney Jonathan C. Reiter at (212) 736-0979.

Monmouth County, NJ -Seasoned New York, aviation accident lawyer, Jonathan C. Reiter, reports a fatal plane crash in Walls Township that claimed the lives of four passengers and the pilot leaving no survivors at 3:45 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2010, as reported by the New York Times. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) began an investigation to determine what caused the tragic plane crash. Witnesses reported the plane going down, which ended in a fiery explosion. Rescue officials rushed to the scene of the aviation accident where a 200-foot trail of scattered debris led to the obliterated blue and white Cessna 337 Skymaster.

Eyewitnesses were sledding in the area when they saw the aircraft go down and reported it to the authorities. Investigators reported that the plane had taken off from the Allaire Airport, 60 miles south of New York City, at 3:30 p.m. Monday afternoon when it began to circle back around and descend toward the runway without its landing gear extended. The plane soon disappeared behind a hill and reportedly rolled over and exploded. The victims of the plane crash were found dead at and around the scene. The victims included two children related to the Polish passenger 38-year-old Andrzej Zajaczkowski of Warsaw -his 14-year-old son, Patryk, and his 6-year-old nephew, Filip Zajaczkowski; the plane owner, 45-year-old Jacek Mazurek, was also was killed along with the pilot, 46-year-old Wojciech G. Nykaza, of Lodi. Two of the bodies were found in the fuselage and another was recovered beneath the wreckage of the destroyed aircraft. Investigators do not believe the pilot made a call for help before the crash. There was no control tower at the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) authorities were present at the scene with FAA officials to begin the determination as to what caused the fatal plane crash to occur.

Plane crashes are unexpected traumatic events that change the life of loved ones for a lifetime. The heartache of losing a loved one to an aviation accident is difficult and an often confusing time for mourning families and relatives. Airplane crashes can occur for many reasons. There are also complications that may have led to an aviation accident that could have been avoided. Having the power of an attorney fighting for your rights can help you to regain your life and seek compensation for your losses, suffering and medical bills.

Jonathan C. Reiter, experienced aviation accident attorney New York, can inform you of your legal rights and represent you in your time of need. Contact the law office of Jonathan C. Reiter, aviation accident lawyer at (212) 736-0979

Middletown, CT - (News) Experienced New York work place accident attorney, Jonathan C. Reiter, reports at least five workers were killed and a dozen injured in a massive power plant explosion south of Hartford Sunday morning, February 7, 2010, according to the New York Daily News. The explosion occurred when the plant was undergoing a test on the gas line. The intensity of the blast sent shock waves 30 miles away where residents reported feeling an earthquake-type rumble. The states mass casualty plan went into effect, as thirty ambulances, two LifeFlight helicopters and dozens of officials reported to the scene of the ruined billion-dollar structure.

Nearby homes were damaged due to the blast, where witnesses reported seeing a 40 to 50 foot high fireball shoot into the sky after the detonation. The building, which was 95 percent finished, was still under construction and was expected to be up and running for the summer to provide electricity for as many as 620, 000 homes. The blast occurred during a test of the plant's connection to a natural gas pipeline, but state and local officials were not sure of the cause. The explosion occurred about 11:17 a.m. and destroyed a central part of the billion-dollar structure. Firefighters quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the flames of the work-related accident after the 911 call came in at 11:19 a.m. Many officials arrived to assist the medical personnel and fire rescue, including the Department of Public Health, which provided tents for medical personnel to treat those found beneath the rubble at the scene. Investigating authorities believed that there were around 60 workers at the plant on Sunday morning. A spokesperson from Middlesex hospital told the news that 11 injured workers were already occupying hospital beds, and more beds were made available at St. Raphael in New Haven and Yale-New Haven. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials were expected to investigate.

This tragic work place accident that killed and injured workers on the job has changed the lives of many loved ones forever. There is also a possibility that this work place accident may have been avoided if proper safety procedures were followed or machinery was routinely checked. All workers and employees are entitled to a safe work environment and employers have the responsibility to maintain safe working conditions in order to prevent accidents in the workplace. Workers who have sustained injuries or the families of the victims killed in a work place-related accident may be entitled to seek financial compensation for lost wages, medical bills, suffering, rehabilitation and other related expenses. Contacting an accomplished and compassionate New York injury attorney can help you to regain your livelihood in the aftermath of a tragic work place-related accident.

Jonathan C. Reiter, experienced construction accident attorney, can represent you in your time of need. Contact the law office of Jonathan C. Reiter, workplace accident lawyer at (212) 736-0979

New York, NY - Leading New York premises liability lawyer, Jonathan C. Reiter, reports that the Department of Education has come to an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) www.epa.gov to require New York City to take a deeper look at the risks of exposure to PCB's and create a plan of action to remove it from the 90 known contaminated schools, according to New York Daily News.

The toxic chemicals, PCB's were used as an additive in caulking used in buildings before it was made illegal in 1977. It was reported that more than 200 schools in New York City are likely to be extensively contaminated with the toxin. In schools in Germany, where high levels of the toxic chemicals were found in the caulking, PCB's were also found in the children's blood. The more the children spent time around the contaminated caulking, the more PCB's accumulated in their blood.

"We know that approximately 60% of the public schools and commercial buildings in U.S that were constructed during the period of maximum PCB use," said The Harvard School of Public Health. "In countries where they have conducted a national inventory, half of the masonry buildings constructed during this era had elevated PCB content in the caulking, and air testing in these buildings showed high PCB air levels."

One of the first schools in the study will be the school Naomi Gonzalez's daughter attends, due to the EPA's settlement in a lawsuit filed by Gonzalez to force the city to clean up Public School 178. Tests on the caulking were performed in a lab to determine the amount of PCB contaminants in her daughter's school in 2008. The results revealed the toxin contained 111,000 parts-per-million in her public school's caulking. Under government regulations, it is illegal for the PCB levels to be above 50 parts-per-million because it is considered toxic waste. It was reported that levels beyond the legal limit were found in at least six of the nine schools tested in the investigation. Another 85 city schools' caulking was tested between April 2008 and September 2009 and found to also have illegally high PCB levels.

The city claims that as long as the PCB's are sealed in the caulking there is no risk that the children will be exposed and affected. However, it is known that PCB's can turn into vapor in the air and can circulate surface dust in the air in the space where students and teachers are for 7 hours a day. Experienced premises liability attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, states if you are a loved one has been knowingly exposed to a toxin or injured on public or private property, you may be entitled to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or other related expenses. Contacting a premises liability lawyer who has years of experience in litigating claims may help you to recover your livelihood.

Premises liability news by New York personal injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, who may be contacted at (212) 736-0979.

The New York and American Civil Liberties Unions filed the lawsuit against the NYPD Wednesday, January 20, 2010, for violence and abuse of authority against five children ages 13-18, who are the plaintiffs in the suit. A 13-year-old in the case gave an account with the NYPD school safety officers: "I was afraid to go back to school because one officer had ordered me to go into the school building while I was waiting for my mother. Then two more officers came and they started pulling on me too. One pushed me in the chest and then handcuffed me. When we got in the building, the same officer tripped me and I fell on my face. " The girl spent hours alone and in handcuffs before she was released when her mother was present. The officers threatened the girl with a disorderly conduct charge, which never amounted to anything, according to court documents.

The New York Civil Liberties Union also claimed that children in middle school and high school were arrested for minor school issues such as scribbling on a desk or going to the bathroom. The class action lawsuit contends that 5200 school safety police officers should be required to be better trained and be held more accountable for serious situations of excessive force and abuse. They also demanded that the school principles be granted a more authoritative role over the school officers. 

NYCLU executive director reported that "Students were handcuffed, arrested... injured, denied medical care, illegally interrogated, intimidated and humiliated by school safety officers." New York City received 1,159 complaints about police officers behavior in 2008. The lawsuit claims that 1 in five officers were reported for misconduct. NYC averaged 500 citizen filed complaints annually from 2002 to 2007. A recorded 27% were found to have merit.

The NYPD officers are supposed to be a protective presence in the community. If an officer oversteps their bounds, it is your right to seek help through the court system.

If you have been the victim of police brutality, a personal injury lawyer experienced in representing police brutality claims can help you file a lawsuit against the police department in order to recover compensation for your injuries, pain, medical expenses, and psychological trauma. If you or anyone you know has been seriously injured or wrongfully killed at the hands of police brutality, contact a New York police brutality lawyer who has handled numerous cases of this nature, and knows the most proactive approach to build and present your case so that you can move forward with your life.

News provided by New York personal injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, a police brutality lawyer. Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2811, New York, NY 10118. Telephone (212) 736-0979. www.jcreiterlaw.com

Police and emergency medical services (EMS) rushed to the scene where two cars and a semi truck collided shortly before 10 p.m. Officials reported that a Hyundai Element and a semi truck, traveling in the westbound lanes of Interstate 80, collided and slid into the eastbound lanes and crashed into a Honda Odyssey. The semi truck then rolled over onto the Hyundai killing the Brooklyn driver, and a 10-year-old passenger.

The Brooklyn, New York residents, 20-year-old Pasha Azulay and an unidentified 10-year-old, were declared dead soon after the crash. 66-year-old Thomas Munsell, the driver of the Hyundai, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, also suffered fatal injuries.

The tragic and fatal motor vehicle accident occurred in Venango County in Western Pennsylvania. There were six other victims including the semi truck driver that sustained injuries. It was not reported to which hospitals the injured victims were transported by ambulance. The six survivors with injuries in the fatal wreck, including four victims in the eastbound vehicle, remain unidentified. It was reported that the truck operator suffered only minor injuries.

That National Safety Council suggests tips for safe driving in wintry conditions:

• If your rear wheels begin to slide left, look left and steer left and vice versa.
• If the rear wheels begin sliding the other way as you regain your ground, gently turn the wheel toward that side. Do this until your vehicle is under control.
• If your car is out of control, brake gently. If you do not have anti-lock brakes, pump slowly.
• If the front wheels slid, bump your gear into neutral. As the car continues to slide sideways, and you regain traction, steer in the direction you want the vehicle to turn, put the gears in drive and accelerate slowly.

This motor vehicle accident is one of many tragic, unexpected events that occur during the winter season. Car crashes are tragic for all involved especially the loved ones left behind to deal with the emotions, financial issues, and other details.

If you find yourself involved in a tractor-trailer accident, make sure you document the driver's name, driver's license number, and truck ID number, before you leave the scene. Seek medical attention immediately and consider contacting a New York personal injury lawyer experienced in New York trucking injury claims to help you recover.
 
New York personal injury education by New York motor vehicle injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter. http://www.jcreiterlaw.com 350 5th Avenue, Suite 2811
New York, NY 10118 Phone: (212) 736-0979.

Wintry driving conditions can be dangerous for all traveling if your vehicle is not ready for the snow, ice and sleet. It is important make a visit to a mechanic to check for any leaks, unknown damages, repairs, or replacements that need to be made so that your vehicle is in good shape to brace the snow and ice. Refresh your coolant and replace normal windshield wiper fluid with a "no-freeze" fluid for a clean and clear windshield during snowy days. Double-check that defrosters and windshield wipers work.

When driving in wintry conditions, it is also very important to have safe tires. A good website to visit is www.safercar.gov to acquire ratings regarding your current tires. It is important to check if your tires are inflated with the right amount of air, have good traction, and that the rubber is in good condition. Another good precautionary measure is to stock your vehicle with a flashlight, ice brush, blanket, kitty litter (in case your vehicle becomes struck), jumper cables, and non-perishable food if you become temporarily stranded. These simple preparations may help you to be ready in an unpredictable situation on the road.

It is important to know your vehicle., especially in the unpredictable weather conditions. When driving, be cautious, drive slowly and give yourself enough time when stopping behind other vehicles. If you find yourself in a predicament where your car is sliding, stay calm and turn the wheel toward the direction you would like to go to regain control. Always brake gently to avoid future sliding. It is also advised to have a planned travel route, a cell phone and know the weather that is expected so that you can be as prepared as possible in the event of wintry road conditions.

Sometimes, regardless of all the precautionary measures taken against winter weather, motor vehicle accidents happen. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a crash, you have a right to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney's services. New York motor vehicle accident attorney Jonathan C. Reiter has over 30 years of experience helping others to regain their livelihood by obtaining financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other pain and suffering due to the auto accident.

New York Personal injury report by Jonathan C. Reiter, a New York personal injury attorney. 
Phone 1-212-736-0979 www.jcreiterlaw.com

Experienced New York work-place accident attorney-Jonathan C. Reiter-alerts the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigates the death of a Central New York maintenance worker killed when a radio tower collapsed on him at 2:45 p.m. December 15, 2009, according to WIVB.

The fatal workplace accident took place in Dix, New York, where a maintenance worker had been performing some routine work on a radio tower structure when it suddenly toppled over and fatally injured him.

New York police and OSHA investigators soon arrived at the scene to determine what caused the fatal workplace incident. The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office reported that the worker had been secured to the radio tower when it collapsed for unknown reasons. The incident occurred in Central New York, 60 miles southwest of Syracuse. The loved ones and family of the worker were notified of victim's tragic death.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration record all fatal work-related injuries in New York including New York City. In 2008, there were 187 deaths in private industries, where 49 fatalities were due to contact with falling objects and equipment. The second cause of work-related deaths in this category was due to falls, which claimed the lives of 41 workers last year. Service providing jobs caused 113 work-related deaths last year, of which 19 occurred due to falling objects and equipment.

This tragic incident that claimed the worker's life is one of many workplace accidents that may have been avoided. All workers and employees in the state of New York have a right to a safe environment, working conditions and functional equipment to prevent accidents in the workplace. Employers have the legal responsibility to maintain safety requirements and regulations for the well-being and health of their employees. Employees who have been injured, or wrongfully killed on the job may be able to hold a negligent third party accountable for damages or losses that may have been prevented by following government safety regulations. Families who have lost a loved one in a workplace-related accident may be able to seek financial compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, rehabilitation, psychological issues, and other related expenses that may come about in the aftermath of a tragic accident.

Contacting a New York injury attorney with decades of experience successfully representing victims of work-place accidents may help you regain your life and obtain financial compensation after a tragic accident in the workplace occurs.

News provided by Jonathan C. Reiter a New York personal injury attorney. www.jcrieterlaw.com/ Phone: (212) 736-0979.

Experienced New York aviation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, reports that the investigation of the American Airlines plane crash in Jamaica continues. American Airlines Flight 331 departed from Miami with 148 passengers on board when it crashed at an airport in Kingston, Jamaica December 22, 2009, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

The Federal Aviation Administration along with Jamaican officials continues to probe the plane crash that injured 91 passengers on board the Boeing 737-800 en route to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport. Investigators look into whether the pilot could have avoided the crash landing and saved dozens of people from injury-including many Americans.

Jamaican Civil Aviation Authority officials on the case believed that the pilot could have aborted the landing and circled around the landing strip another time and avoided the accident. Authorities continue to look at all the possible factors involved in the aircraft's crash landing. Investigators are asking the question why the pilot did not consider other options; especially since runway take-offs and landings are the causes of the majority of aviation accidents and fatalities. In this particular aircraft crash, the plane skidded off the runway and its fuselage broke open; the left side of the plane collapsed and the plane's front end was crushed. The aircraft came to a halt at the edge of the Caribbean Sea injuring 92 passengers. There were 154 passengers on board at the time of the aircraft crash.

Investigators continue to probe the crash by interviewing the crew and the passengers. They are also factoring weather and flight controls into the investigation. While there were other airplanes that landed safely the night the Boeing crashed, the weather conditions were unpredictable that Tuesday night. The offshore approach lights to the runway had been malfunctioning for more than a month, forcing the pilot to land the aircraft with the assistance of runway lights. Bloomberg news reported that all the runway and threshold lights had still been functioning and the pilots were informed of the offshore light's outage. It has not been determined if lighting did play an active role in the accident, but every detail is being reviewed. Also being considered is the possibility that a tailwind landing may have been a contributing factor, as that could have increased the distance it would take to stop the aircraft. Multiple investigators from the U.S National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) www.ntsb.gov were also assisting in the developing investigation to what went wrong with the airplane. The investigation continues.

Aviation accidents can be overwhelming and traumatic for the victims and their families and many are at a loss as to what steps to take or where to turn for help after the crash. A New York aviation accident attorney can help victims and loved ones begin the healing process by helping them to understand their rights, navigate the complex legal process and work to gain compensation for their injuries caused by the tragic accident. It is important to contact a veteran airline accident lawyer that is familiar with the complex technical and legal issues associated with these types of cases to represent you in court.

Report by New York aviation accident attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, a New York personal injury lawyer experienced in representing victims of airline accidents. www.jcrieterlaw.com/ Phone: (212) 736-0979.

New York, NY - Veteran New York aviation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, reports that American Airlines Flight 331 from Miami was transporting 148 passengers when it crash landed at an airport in Jamaica at 10:20 p.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2009, according to CNN.

An American Airlines spokesperson stated that the American Airlines Boeing 737 had damage to the fuselage, some cracks in the plane, and the landing gear on one side of the aircraft had fallen apart when the aircraft crash landed. Both engines had sheared away, consistent with the design of the plane.

The large aircraft had departed from Miami International Airport with 148 passengers and 6 crew members on board when the plane hit some negative weather conditions on final approach to Jamaica and overran the airstrip at Norman Manley International Airport and crashed into a fence. There were 91 people on board the downed aircraft, 44 were taken to the local hospitals for treatment. Many passengers were shaken up and traumatized by the crash.

Authorities reported that none of the passengers were critically injured. Jamaican officials stated that most of the passengers transported to the hospital were released after treatment, while 4 passengers stayed overnight in the care of medical officials.

The majority of the passenger's injuries were noted as fractured bones and lacerations and bruising. Aviation Accidents are unexpected and always traumatic for the families of the loved ones on board, who were injured or lost in a crash. Having a New York lawyer who has helped others deal with the highly traumatic and confusing aftermath of an airline accident or with the loss of a loved one because of an aviation accident is important for the victims' remaining families. Many factors involved in a plane crash may result in financial compensation with the help of an experienced and compassionate attorney.

New York aviation accident attorney, Jonathan C. Reiter, a New York personal injury lawyer, who is knowledgeable in the technical and legal aspects of airplane operations. www.jcrieterlaw.com/ Phone: (212) 736-0979.

New York personal injury attorney- Jonathan C. Reiter-alerts SUV crashed through a Staten Island storefront, trapped and injured one woman.

Staten Island, NY- Veteran New York personal injury lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, reports that an out of control SUV crashed through a store window and launched into a line of shoppers pinning one mother beneath the vehicle at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, December 13, 2009, according to the Staten Island Advance.

Shards of glass lay strewn inside the store and on the front sidewalk with shredded wrapping paper and other damaged merchandise. Shocked holiday shoppers at the Dollar Store in Mariners Harbor standing in the checkout line, looked around to see that a toddler was left sitting in a shopping cart, while his mother had become trapped under the Hyundai SUV. The cashier removed the upset toddler from the shopping cart to try to calm him down.

Shoppers who witnessed the crash and had also been waiting in line for the cashier, miraculously remained uninjured in the wreck. The driver and her male passenger in the SUV sustained minor injuries in the incident. Firefighters, police and emergency medical services (EMS) arrived at the scene at the Forest Plaza shopping center.

 
Responding firefighters lifted the large vehicle off of the victim, who was reportedly coherent. She was taken via ambulance to Richmond University Medical Center to be cared for by doctors and nurses for her injuries.

Bystanders helped the driver and passenger out of the damaged vehicle, which sat in the middle of the store. The two people were also transported to the hospital for minor injuries. Police continued to investigate the serious wreck to determine what caused the out of control SUV to crash into the store.

Experienced New York attorney, Jonathan C. Reiter, states if you or your loved one has been injured by another party in any kind of accident, it is your right is to seek compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages. Contacting a New York attorney who is experienced in personal injury litigation may help you recover and to claim the damages you deserve.

New York Personal injury report by Jonathan C. Reiter, a New York personal injury attorney.
Phone 1-212-736-0979 www.jcreiterlaw.com

Seasoned New York construction accident attorney advises that New York Police Department (NYPD) police reported to a warehouse in Brooklyn where a worker had been tragically crushed to death, Monday, December 7, 2009, according to the New York Daily News.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) www.osha.gov reported to the scene to investigate the scene of the fatal incident. Police reported that the worker was at the First Choice Supply warehouse in Borough Park when large slabs of granite happened to fall onto the worker's head killing him instantly.

The granite tiles, which were used to make kitchen counter tops, toppled over onto the worker. It was unknown what prompted the heavy slabs of granite that were stacked from the ground up, to cascade onto the worker. Witnessing co-workers tried desperately to remove the slabs from their injured colleague with the use of a forklift. OSHA authorities arrived on the scene to determine if there was any safety-related or workplace violations that may have contributed to the construction accident.

NYPD identified the deceased worker as 47-year-old Yuquan Chen, resident of Gravesend. He was pronounced dead shortly after the 9:30 a.m. incident. Chen's family was greatly saddened when they heard the news and they went to the scene to find their deceased loved one. The warehouse owners of First Choice Supply were unable to be reached for comments. It was not reported if the family had hired a construction accident lawyer.

Construction accidents are tragedies that shake the foundation of those who have lost their loved one. Construction accident victims or families of the victims may seek compensation with the help of an experienced and compassionate New York injury lawyer. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to negligence, falling objects, failure to follow proper safety guidelines and many other viable reasons, you may be entitled to seek necessary compensation for medical bills, pain, suffering, and rehabilitation so that you may continue on with your life.

New York City construction accident news by Jonathan C. Reiter a New York construction accident attorney.
350 5th Avenue · Suite 2811
New York, NY 10118
Phone: (212) 736-0979
http://www.jcreiterlaw.com/

Elevators are one of the most commonly used forms of mass transit in New York City. There are a reported 60,000 elevators in apartment buildings and commercial buildings ridden by millions of New York residents each and every day, who do not give a second thought to the possibility that these machines can tragically malfunction, according to the New York Times.
Last year, a 5-year-old boy, identified as Jacob Neuman, was tragically and fatally injured when he became trapped in an elevator shaft trying to free himself from a stalled public housing elevator. Last month, 34-year-old Gerhardt Fuchs suffered fatal injuries when he tried to escape from an elevator that stopped short of the landing and his clothing caught causing him to fall.

The NYC buildings commissioner, Robert D. LiMandri and chief elevator inspector Douglas Smith visited Brooklyn schools, to speak to children about the potential hazards of panicking if trapped in an elevator.
They told children that if they are ever stuck in an elevator, to remember to do three things: "Ring, relax, and wait"- Call emergency services on the phone, stay calm and wait for help to come. They also warned children that it is not safe to jump out of the elevator if it has unexpectedly stopped. Their goal was to make "ring, relax and wait" a mantra that children can easily remember.

The elevator inspector also referred to reports of incidents where elevators malfunctioned due to electrical complications and pointed out that he had investigated 24 elevator-related deaths in the past decade. The Building Department statistics showed that there have been 99 elevator accidents involving an injury to a child in New York City alone since 2004. Each November the City takes a week to promote national "elevator/escalator safety awareness week", which is organized by the non-profit organization The Elevator Escalator Safety Foundation.

Elevator/ Escalator accidents can happen unexpectedly to anyone. If you or a loved one was injured in an elevator accident, an experienced premises liability attorney is vital to help determine if the elevator or escalator was properly maintained and if they property manager/owner may be liable for the incident. A premises liability injury can occur when the property manager fails to repair damaged electrical equipment, during free falls or sudden stops, or when the doors close too quickly.

Jonathan C. Reiter, a seasoned New York personal injury lawyer, urges all New Yorkers to use due care when riding on elevators, especially in older buildings. Parents and adults need to set an example for our youth by teaching them about how to deal with potential elevator problems to avoid panic reactions that can cause serious injuries.

Shards of glass fell from the 38th floor of the Goldman Sachs tower onto Manhattan's street and sidewalk.

A fourth incident has occurred at Manhattan's Goldman Sachs Tower where dangerous debris or construction equipment has fallen since work on the tower began, according to Tribeca Trib.

Police shut down West Street on Saturday, November 28, 2009, in Battery Park City where shards of glass along with other fallen debris lay on the sidewalks and the street. It was reported that the glass from a windowpane had fallen from one of the windows under scaffolding from the 38th floor of the 740-feet tall tower Saturday afternoon.

The debris caused numerous traffic delays, which forced many commuters to find alternative routes of transportation. It was not reported if any passersby were injured. New York City's Department of Buildings (DOB) www.nyc.gov temporarily stopped all construction work on the $2.4 billion facility. Officials suspect that the wind may have been a contributing factor to the fall.

The construction contracting company working on the Goldman Sachs tower is Tishman Construction. This potentially deadly incident was just one of several terrifying incidents that have taken place in the course of the building's construction since 2007. An earlier incident occurred in December 2007where an architect was working onsite in a trailer when a crane holding tons of steel, dropped the heavy metal materials onto the trailer paralyzing the architect.

Another incident occurred in May, less than six months after the first serious injury, where work at the site was suspended for more than 30 days due a steel plate that had fallen off the tall tower and landed on the field of a Little League baseball game in Battery Park City.

In April 2009, another serious accident occurred when a worker's hammer fell 17 stories and landed on the window of a taxicab as parents witnessed the account with their children nearby. Tishman Construction released a statement about this past horrifying situation stating that they want every safety matter to be dealt with accordingly, and the company wants to be as perfect as they can be. The company also apologized for the incident.

General contractors are bound by law to maintain a safe environment by following government safety regulations. A fatal or injurious construction worksite accident can cause a lot of heartache and trauma for the victimized families involved. What is also significant about this accident is that, as reported by Jonathan C. Reiter on April 14, 2009 after the hammer incident, Tishman had reported hiring an independent safety monitor and company leaders promised to take further initiatives to improve safety for workers and lower Manhattan area drivers and pedestrians.

News reported by New York personal injury attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, a construction accident lawyer. Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2811, New York, NY 10118. Telephone (212) 736-0979. www.jcreiterlaw.com