Early Monday morning, May 18, 2020, Florentino Cruseno Morales was tragically killed when he was pinned between two delivery trucks in the Kew Gardens neighborhood of Queens. The accident happened at around 6:30 a.m. in front of the Bais Yaakov Academy, a school at 124-50 Metropolitan Avenue.
Morales, 49, was transferring goods between the two delivery trucks when the driver of one of the trucks backed up, pinning him between the two. He sustained severe body trauma, according to the NYPD. Morales was taken to Jamaica Hospital but died as a result of his injuries. Our hearts are with the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
The drivers of the two trucks remained at the scene and cooperated with police. No arrests have been made, though the investigation is ongoing.
Large trucks, such as the delivery trucks involved in the accident on Monday, can cause serious damage to others when involved in an accident, whether or not they are traveling at high speeds. Trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger vehicles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The sheer size of trucks increases the risk of injury occurring if there is an accident, regardless of whether or not the collision happens with another vehicle or if a pedestrian is involved.
According to data from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, a pedestrian has an approximate 1 in 10 chance of being killed in the event of a collision with a large truck. For this reason, truck drivers have an increased responsibility to watch for other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians around them. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also emphasizes this importance, encouraging all drivers to watch out for pedestrians while driving, and to be extra cautious while backing up, as pedestrians can move easily into the vehicle’s path.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, it may be in your best interest to contact an experienced lawyer to review your case to receive compensation to your losses. The Truck Accident Lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy are dedicated to finding justice for those who have been harmed as a result of another party’s negligent behavior. Our proven track record includes:
- $14,000,000 jury verdict for a motorcyclist that was injured when he was struck by a large truck attempting to make a left turn.
- $6,000,000 settlement for a city bus passenger who was injured when the bus he was riding in collided with a flatbed truck at an intersection
- $5,500,000 settlement for a 43-year-old man who was driving alongside a semi-truck that suddenly cut into his lane, sideswiping him and causing his vehicle to crash into the median and bounce back into the truck
- $2,500,000 settlement for a pedestrian who was struck by a large truck while crossing the street in Brooklyn
To receive a free, no-obligation legal consultation with one of our skilled attorneys, call 212-736-5300 or fill out our contact form online.