Queens Personal Injury Law Blog

As a pedestrian, you never want to think the worst but you must prepare for anything that could go wrong. While you have control over every step you take, you don't know what other people will do. For example, a driver could make a mistake that puts you, among other pedestrians, in a bad situation.

Drivers have the obligation to exercise reasonable care, but that doesn't mean they always do so. Here are some of the most common factors resulting in a pedestrian-car accident:

• Distracted driving. When a person is distracted, they are unable to keep track of what's happening around them. Distractions, such as texting and driving, can cause an accident.
• Speeding. Even with a posted speed limit, some drivers don't feel that it's necessary to obey the law.
• Disobeying traffic signals or signs. For example, failure to stop at a red light could result in a vehicle striking a pedestrian (or pedestrians) in a crosswalk.
• Failure to yield to pedestrians. Drivers are required by law to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Disregard for weather conditions. Weather conditions, such as rain and ice, should alter the way a person drives. This doesn't always happen, such as someone continuing to drive too fast when the roadways are slick.
• Driving under the influence. Alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs make it difficult for a driver to exercise good judgment.

A motorist and a bicyclist collided, killing the 22-year-old rider at the intersection of 23rd Avenue and 35th Street in Astoria. The fatal collision occurred on July 23 at around 11 p.m.

Witnesses who were interviewed by representatives with the Highway District Collision Investigation Squad (HDCIS) for the New York Police Department (NYPD) reported seeing the bicyclist collide into the front of the Ford van. The impact was apparently so severe that it left damage along the passenger side of the vehicle.

If you like to head out to the local park to go for a walk, jog, take the kids to play or to ride your bike, then there's a strong likelihood that you may encounter either a stray or aggressive dog. While some attacks may be unavoidable, there are some basic steps you can take avoid one.

One of the more common reasons dogs are able to attack pedestrians is because people are often too distracted to notice dogs approaching.

It takes a lifetime to build up a valuable estate. Many people spend 30 years paying off the mortgage on their home, and it can take as long, if not longer, to develop substantial assets and other areas. You likely wish to be the one in control of how your assets get distributed after you die.

After all, an estate plan, in many ways, is how you create your own legacy for the world. You expect that your executor, and heirs, will respect and follow the requirements in your last will. Sadly, everyday, people choose to contest a loved one's will. They may do this because they think one person will influence the will too much, or they may just want more of the estate. Thankfully, there are certain things you can do to reduce the risk of your heirs fighting over your assets after you pass on.