Fred Nivrose of Ditmas Park, Brooklyn tragically lost his life after his car was struck by a tractor trailer on the Major Deegan Expressway on Monday, September 10, 2018.
Nivrose, 46, was driving his car northbound in rainy conditions when he lost control of his Toyota Camry. The car spun out and hit the barrier. It was about 5 a.m. at the time, and Nivrose’s car was completely turned around and facing backwards against traffic.
A preliminary investigation indicates that, at this point, Nivrose got out of his vehicle to see if any damage had been done to his car when it hit the barrier. While he was doing this, a 1999 Kenworth tractor trailer crashed head-on into Nivrose’s vehicle, sending him flying backwards and causing his head to hit the pavement.
He was pronounced dead at the scene. The NYPD’s Highway Collision Investigation Squad is investigating this crash, and it is not yet clear if the driver of the tractor-trailer will face any charges.
Our hearts go out to the friends and family of Mr. Nivrose in the wake of this heartbreaking incident.
This incident and many others highlight the necessity for drivers to obey traffic laws and be vigilant while driving. Motorists in the northeast are entering the time of year when the roads will often be in less-than-ideal conditions due to rain, snow or ice. When driving in inclement weather, it is crucial that they obey all posted speed limits and keep their awareness on the road, particularly looking out for any vehicles which may be pulled over to the side of the road.
Federal data shows that 1 of every 10 car accidents is caused by rain, with these accidents claiming around 2,700 lives on a yearly basis, according to data from the Federal Highway Administration. In comparison, motor vehicle accidents caused by snowy conditions claim about 1,300 lives a year. While rain generally doesn’t cause the massive traffic delays that snow does, statistics show that it must be taken just as seriously.
Here are tips for driving safely in the wet and rainy conditions which are so common in New York:
- Watch out for standing water: Spots on the road where water has accumulated can lead to hydroplaning, in which a layer of water causes your vehicle to lose traction with the road
- Always have your headlights on: In the state of New York, you must have your headlights on whenever you are using your windshield wipers, regardless of how light or dark it is out
- Keep your windshield clear of fog: Fog on your windshield may not seem like a big deal, but when it is combined with rain and other inclement conditions, visibility can be greatly affected
- Don’t drive with cruise control: While some motorists prefer to use cruise control to ensure they stay under the speed limit, this is not advisable in inclement weather where traction can be compromised at a moment’s notice
- Leave extra room from other vehicles: In normal conditions, it’s recommended to leave 1 car length for every 10 mph you’re travelling; in rainy conditions, it is prudent to extend this space a bit
As the cold and rainy winter months descend on New York, it’s essential for motorists to keep these and other basic safety rules in mind.
When motorists do not practice caution while driving, fatal car accidents can occur. According to NYPD data, 146 people were killed and over 40,000 were injured in New York City traffic collisions in 2017. If your loved one was killed in a car crash, our attorneys may be able to help you seek legal recourse.
Our staff offers unwavering support and skilled legal representation to clients who lost loved ones in tragic car accidents. While we cannot alleviate the grief that comes from losing a family member, we can and will fight tirelessly for the compensation victims are entitled to under the law.
Select results in wrongful death auto accident lawsuits include:
- $7,525,000 settlement for a mother and her son who were killed in a collision with a van
- $5,000,000 settlement for a woman who was killed when a commercial garbage truck swerved onto the sidewalk
- $3,000,000 settlement after a motorist was killed at an intersection when the Defendant car attempted to make an illegal left turn
To speak with an experienced lawyer about the specifics of your case, call 212-736-5300 or fill out our online contact form. You can also view our other auto accident results by visiting our car accident verdicts and settlements page.