Cyclist Killed In Maspeth, Queens Box Truck Accident

New York City Police Investigating Maspeth, Queens Box Truck Accident On The Long Island Expressway

QUEENS, NEW YORK (February 28, 2024) – A cyclist from Corona has tragically died in a Maspeth, Queens box truck accident on the Long Island Expressway.

New York City police officials are saying that the incident took place around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday. A cyclist was traveling down the roadway when they were hit by a box truck.

Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. He was lying down on the Long Island Expressway with major injuries.

An ambulance rushed him to Elmhurst Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. A full investigation into the Maspeth truck accident remains ongoing at this time.

Liability For Queens Box Truck Accidents

There are a number of factors that could contribute to a semi-truck accident. According to the FMCSA, “Elements that influence the occurrence of a crash may take place hours, days, or months before the crash. They include driver training and experience, vehicle design and manufacture, highway condition and traffic signaling, and weather conditions.” There are many steps that truck drivers should take in order to avoid hitting cyclists.

• Truck drivers should maintain at least three feet of separation from bicyclists at all times.
• Truck drivers should maintain a safe speed at all times, especially during inclement weather.
• Truck drivers should use their horns to alert pedestrians and cyclists of their presence.

Drivers have a legal obligation to slow down to avoid collisions. According to New York Vehicle & Traffic Law § 1146(a), drivers must exercise due care in order to avoid hitting pedestrians, bicyclists, and domestic animals in the roadway. Drivers should also use their horns in order to alert pedestrians and other drivers of their presence. If a truck driver fails to slow down to avoid hitting a cyclist, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. It is important that certain steps be taken after any truck accident.

• Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
• Medical records should be preserved.
• The police report for the collision should be retrieved.
• An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.

If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. Employers are typically liable for the wrongful acts of their employees. According to Judith M. v. Sisters of Charity Hosp., 93 N.Y.2d 932, 933 (1999) respondeat superior will apply “so long as the tortious conduct is generally foreseeable and a natural incident of the employment.” The family of any person killed in a truck accident may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil claim.

Investigating New York City Box Truck Accidents

We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our deepest condolences to the family of the cyclist killed in this collision. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to the police. There needs to be some accountability for the victim’s family.

Do you need more information about a Maspeth truck accident? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of assistance, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.