MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco Esq.MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco Esq.2026-08-29T21:40:05Zhttps://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1604585/2024/04/cropped-ID-image-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[New York’ Scaffold Law helps to protect construction workers]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=473042026-08-29T21:40:05Z2026-08-29T21:40:05ZThe Scaffold Law – The basics
New York’s unique Scaffold Law has long protected construction workers from unsafe practices by putting the liability for gravity-related incidents on property owners. Businesses, landlords and other property owners are much less likely to retain the services of a cut-rate construction company that does not follow safety practices or provide appropriate safety equipment for workers when they face direct liability for any gravity-related incidents that occur.
Should a worker fall without a harness, get struck by falling construction materials or sustain injuries in a scaffolding collapse, they may have the option of filing a lawsuit. While most work injuries simply make professionals eligible for workers’ compensation, gravity-related construction site injuries open the door to personal injury lawsuits.
In cases where workers sustain major injuries that produce both medical expenses and lost wages, the Scaffold Law makes it possible for them to seek compensation from property owners. Reviewing the circumstances of a construction site incident with a lawyer can help people understand their rights. Both insurance claims and litigation can help offset the significant financial losses triggered by gravity-related construction incidents.]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Who is at fault for broken sidewalk that causes an injury?]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472952026-08-15T22:24:02Z2026-08-15T22:24:02ZProperty owners should maintain their sidewalks
Technically, every property owner, including individual homeowners, landlords and businesses, is responsible for the sidewalks adjacent to their properties. There are some municipal programs that address particularly old and critically-damaged sections of sidewalk.
However, property owners often have to make arrangements to have private companies repair and replace damaged sections of sidewalk. The failure to do so opens them up to liability should pedestrians end up hurt because of their delayed maintenance of adjacent sidewalks.
Frequently, the premises liability coverage included in a homeowners or business insurance policy can reimburse injured pedestrians for injury-related expenses caused by dangerous property conditions. Occasionally, litigation may be necessary to recoup medical expenses, property damage losses and lost income after a sidewalk incident causes serious injury.
Working with a premises liability lawyer can take the stress out of insurance negotiations and facilitate a smoother litigation process if a lawsuit is necessary. Injured pedestrians should not have to absorb expenses caused by a property owner’s failure to maintain their premises.]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Are ADAS features on cars increasing accidents in the Bronx?]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472942026-08-02T22:31:32Z2026-08-02T22:31:32ZWhat are advanced driver-assistance features?
Advanced driver-assistance features are electronic systems that help drivers operate their vehicles more safely. Unlike fully autonomous vehicles, cars equipped with ADAS need a human driver to remain in control. This is because some situations require quick human decision-making that current driver-assistance technology cannot always replicate.
Common examples include:
Automatic emergency braking
Lane departure warning
Lane-keeping assistance
Adaptive cruise control
Blind-spot monitoring
Rear cross-traffic alerts
Parking assistance
These features are intended to assist drivers, not replace them.
Why can these features be challenging?
Driving in the Bronx usually involves conditions that test even experienced drivers. They include crowded streets, frequent construction projects, aggressive traffic patterns and heavy pedestrian activity, which require constant attention.
Advanced driver-assistance systems may have difficulty responding to situations such as:
Double-parked vehicles, forcing sudden lane changes
Pedestrians crossing between parked cars
Cyclists weaving through traffic
Construction zones with temporary lane markings
Congested intersections with unpredictable traffic flow
These situations often require quick human decision-making that current driver-assistance technology cannot always replicate. Additionally, the presence of advanced driver-assistance features does not automatically take away responsibility from the driver. In most cases, motorists remain legally responsible for operating their vehicles safely.
If you have been injured in an accident involving a vehicle equipped with advanced driver-assistance technology, seeking legal support early is going to be important. Making this effort can help you to preserve important evidence, identify potentially liable parties and protect your ability to pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses.]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Slips in flooded stairwells in the Bronx: Who is responsible?]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472852026-07-21T19:47:35Z2026-07-21T19:47:35ZHeavy rain can quickly overwhelm drainage systems, allowing water to accumulate inside apartment buildings, commercial properties and public spaces. As such, recent flooding in New York City and across the Northeast has created dangerous conditions for residents, commuters and visitors alike.One particularly hazardous location during and in the immediate aftermath of such storms is stairwells, where standing water can create an unexpected slipping hazard. As these recent storms have demonstrated, property owners should remain vigilant when weather conditions increase the risk of indoor flooding.
When accidents happen
If you slip in a flooded stairwell in the Bronx, determining who is responsible will turn on the specific circumstances at issue. Property owners, landlords and building managers generally have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for tenants and lawful visitors. That responsibility may include inspecting common areas, addressing known hazards within a reasonable time and warning people about dangerous conditions when immediate repairs are not possible.Not every accident automatically results in liability. Flooding caused by an ongoing storm may not give a property owner sufficient time to discover and address the hazard. However, responsibility may arise if water was allowed to remain on stairs long after the storm passed, if drainage systems were poorly maintained, if recurring leaks were ignored or if broken gutters, roofs or plumbing contributed to the unsafe condition.If you have been injured after slipping in a flooded stairwell in the Bronx, it is important to have your circumstances carefully evaluated, as every case is unique. An experienced legal team can investigate what caused the hazardous condition, identify potentially responsible parties and pursue compensation for the losses resulting from your injuries if your harm could – and should – have been prevented. ]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Can rideshare drivers vlog while working?]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472842026-07-08T03:57:16Z2026-07-08T03:57:16ZRideshare drivers can spend long hours on the road, so it is not unusual for some to record videos or livestream while working. Vlogging may seem harmless, especially when a driver shares daily experiences, road stories or general content.
However, recording during an Uber, Lyft or other rideshare trip can raise serious safety and privacy concerns. If a crash occurs while the driver is filming, that footage may become an important part of the accident claim.
When does content creation cross the line?
A rideshare driver’s main duty is to drive safely. Anything that takes focus away from the road can become a problem. Several issues may come up when a rideshare driver vlogs during a trip:
Distracted driving: Looking at a camera, reading comments or adjusting recording equipment can reduce attention and reaction time.
Passenger privacy: Recording riders without clear consent may create privacy concerns, especially if faces or personal details are shared online.
Company policy problems: Uber, Lyft or another platform may review whether the driver’s conduct violated safety or privacy rules.
Reduced awareness of changing road conditions: A driver who focuses on creating content may miss crucial details on the road. Even a brief distraction while recording can increase the risk of a collision.
Evidence after a crash: A livestream or phone recording may help show whether the driver was distracted before the accident.
Insurance questions: If filming contributed to unsafe driving, insurers may closely examine fault, coverage and damages.
Even if the driver never meant to cause harm, vlogging while working can make an accident case more complicated. If you were hurt in a rideshare crash and believe the driver was filming, documenting the details early can matter. Try to have trip records to help clarify what happened. A calm conversation with a legal team can also help you objectively assess your options. ]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Are drivers in the Bronx getting worse?]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472822026-06-22T14:37:23Z2026-06-22T14:37:23ZDo you feel like the drivers around you in the Bronx are getting worse or causing more accidents? Maybe you have experienced more near misses, watching people commit clear driving errors such as running stop signs or red lights, even if those mistakes did not result in an accident. Maybe you have simply seen more accident reports or the news or been involved in a crash yourself.
You are not alone. Some safety experts do believe that drivers are getting worse, especially because of the technology in their vehicles. While this technology is often designed to prevent accidents and keep people safe, accident rates have not fallen significantly, suggesting that drivers are committing so many mistakes that the technology cannot meaningfully impact accident rates.
Distracted driving
One potential issue is distracted driving. Modern cars do have more safety features, but it often takes extra steps to engage with them. Some drivers may become distracted while trying to set everything up or respond to alerts they receive, and this takes their attention away from simply driving the vehicle.
Driver complacency
Another issue is that some drivers believe modern vehicles are so safe that they can avoid a crash on their own. While the technology is helpful, the driver still needs to be in control of the vehicle and paying attention at all times. Complacent drivers are more likely to engage in other forms of distraction, such as texting and driving, which can still cause accidents.If you have been injured in an accident that another driver caused, you may deserve financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages and much more.
]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Wide semi-truck turns can cause Bronx intersection crashes]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472802026-06-10T22:43:49Z2026-06-10T22:43:49ZThere may not be enough space for the vehicle to maneuver
Maybe a driver approached an intersection before a semi-truck arrived, leaving them too far forward for safety when a semi-truck entered the intersection. Perhaps they reached the intersection with people immediately behind them while the truck is already beginning a turn, leaving them without any opportunity to adjust their approach or back away from the approaching semi-truck.
In those scenarios, a major collision could easily occur. Large trucks perform much wider turns than four-wheeled vehicles, especially when they turn right.
The semi-truck operator may not be able to stop or maneuver effectively to avoid the nearby vehicle. In those cases, the truck driver or potentially their employer might be liable for the crash that occurs, depending on the situation.
A personal injury lawsuit or commercial insurance claim could help compensate those involved in Bronx intersection collisions caused by the negligently wide turns of semi-trucks. Reporting a crash, seeking necessary medical attention and reviewing documentation with a lawyer can help those involved in commercial truck collisions cover the losses they’ve sustained as a result of their harm.]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Pedestrians in the Bronx deserve to remain safe]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472782026-05-29T18:00:34Z2026-05-29T18:00:34ZMany areas in the Bronx are filled with pedestrians, each of whom deserves to remain safe while they venture around the city. Intersections have crosswalks to enable them to cross streets safely, but it’s up to drivers to help ensure that pedestrians can make it through the crosswalks.
Even when a person is crossing the street where they should be, there’s a chance that a driver who’s speeding or distracted may slam into them. In some cases, a driver may say they didn’t see the pedestrian.
When a pedestrian crash occurs
When a pedestrian is struck by a vehicle, they may suffer serious injuries, which will need medical attention. Even if the pedestrian doesn’t think they’re injured, they should still see a doctor for an evaluation. Medical records can tie the injuries to the accident, which is important if the pedestrian wants to file a claim for damages.Some injuries are evident right away. These include things like broken bones, lacerations or spinal cord injuries. Other injuries, such as those to the brain, might not be evident right away, but may become noticeable as time progresses. Pedestrians who were struck by a vehicle should watch for symptoms, such as neck, back, or joint pain, as well as dizziness or headaches. Pedestrians who suffer injuries at the hands of a negligent driver may want to seek compensation for the financial damages they’re dealing with. These cases can be challenging, so these victims may want to have someone on their side to help them through the process. Because time limits apply in these cases, swift action is critical.
]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[Cyclists must be allowed to share the street in the Bronx]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=472502026-05-14T17:48:27Z2026-05-14T17:48:27ZConflicts between cyclists and motorists in the Bronx often revolve around a fundamental difference of opinion. Some drivers do not like to share the road with cyclists and believe they do not belong there. This can lead to aggressive driving, conflicts and accidents.
First and foremost, it is important to note that cyclists are allowed to ride on city streets in New York. They have the same right to the road as a motorist. Even though they are smaller and sometimes slower vehicles, as long as they are following all traffic laws, they are allowed to share that space. This is true both for traditional bicycles and e-bikes.
The use of bike lanes
In some cases, there are dedicated bike lanes that cyclists should use when possible. These can help keep them safe and allow traffic to move smoothly. However, exclusively using bike lanes is not always possible because there are many roads where they do not exist, or cyclists may need to make maneuvers, such as turning left, that take them out of a bike lane.
Riding on the sidewalk
Generally speaking, cyclists should not ride on the sidewalk. Some motorists would prefer this to get them out of the road, believing that it would be safer for all involved. But it is actually more dangerous to ride on the sidewalk, and the odds of being involved in an accident are higher for a cyclist who does so. Sidewalk riding is typically prohibited for adults.
Compensation after an accident
Although cyclists should be allowed to safely share the road, accidents with motorists do happen. Those who have suffered injuries need to know how to seek financial compensation for medical bills and more.
]]>On Behalf of MJP Injury Law, Michael James Prisco, Esq.<![CDATA[How timing influences claims after a rideshare crash]]>https://www.mjpinjurylaw.com/?p=471602026-04-28T09:30:02Z2026-04-28T09:30:02ZIn some regards, rideshare crashes are similar to any other motor vehicle collision. Fault determines liability. If the other driver was the party to blame for a collision involving a rideshare vehicle, that motorist may need to provide the rideshare driver and their passenger with insurance coverage or compensation.
However, in cases where the rideshare driver is at fault, compensation claims may become much more complicated. There may be a policy carried by the rideshare company and also a separate policy carried by the driver.The timing of when the crash occurs generally determines what policy applies.
Crashes may occur before or after a trip
Many collisions occur while vehicles are in motion, which generally means that they occur during the purchased ride. So long as the rideshare drivers started the trip in the app, the corporate policy indemnifying the rideshare company likely applies if the driver is at fault for a crash.Collisions can also occur when a driver stops to load a passenger or drop them off at their destination. In that scenario, where the driver has not started the trip or has already ended it, theirown rideshare policy may apply.Rideshare drivers must add supplemental rideshare policies for their standard insurance coverage. These policies expand traditional car insurance to protect against the liability generated by using a vehicle for commercial purposes. In scenarios where there is a dispute about what policy should apply or where a rideshare driver does not have the necessary coverage, securing adequate compensation can be a legitimate challenge.Those hurt during an Uber or Lyft ride may need help evaluating insurance coverage and negotiating for an appropriate settlement. A lawyer familiar with the challenges ofrideshare collision claims can help passengers pursue the compensation they require.]]>