Manhattan Firm Secures $2.1M Settlement After Truck Strikes Stopped Car Twice

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. wins significant compensation for victims of complex truck accident case

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:32pm

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An abstract studio still life featuring shattered car parts arranged elegantly on a clean grey background, conveying the human toll of a commercial vehicle accident through minimalist, high-contrast imagery.A powerful visual metaphor for the devastating impact of a commercial truck accident, where reckless driving and corporate negligence collide with devastating consequences for innocent victims.NYC Today

Michael Gunzburg, P.C., a Manhattan personal injury law firm, has secured a $2,145,000 settlement for three people injured when a commercial bucket truck reversed into their stopped vehicle at a Manhattan intersection, striking it twice in the same incident. The driver's reckless actions sent all three occupants to the emergency room with severe injuries.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious consequences that can result from commercial vehicle accidents, especially when drivers act negligently. The substantial settlement underscores the importance of strong legal advocacy in securing fair compensation for victims of such incidents, which can have a profound impact on their lives.

The details

Ollies Mercedes, Ramon Abreu, and Raul Balbuena were stopped at a red light when Antonio Abreu, operating a bucket truck for E-J Electric Installation Company, reversed at high speed into their vehicle, then pulled forward and reversed a second time. All three were transported by ambulance, with Mercedes suffering the most severe injuries, including herniated discs, a torn shoulder labrum, and a torn ligament in his foot, requiring multiple surgeries and leading him to leave his job at FedEx.

  • In March 2018, the incident occurred at the intersection of West 165th Street and Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan.
  • The court granted plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment on liability in 2019.
  • The case proceeded on damages, with Balbuena settling early and Mercedes and Abreu settling the day before scheduled jury selection in 2020.

The players

Michael Gunzburg, P.C.

A New York City personal injury and medical malpractice law firm with 39 years of experience representing accident victims in the region.

Ollies Mercedes

A 24-year-old at the time of the incident who suffered the most severe injuries, including herniated discs, a torn shoulder labrum, and a torn ligament in his foot, leading to multiple surgeries and the loss of his job at FedEx.

Ramon Abreu

One of the three occupants of the vehicle struck by the commercial truck, who was unable to work for approximately two years due to his injuries.

Antonio Abreu

The driver of the commercial bucket truck who reversed at high speed into the stopped vehicle, striking it twice.

E-J Electric Installation Company

The company that employed the driver of the commercial truck involved in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Ollies had multiple surgeries, lost his job, and had his life turned upside down - all because a commercial driver acted recklessly and a company failed to prevent it. Getting a result like this for him and his co-plaintiffs is exactly why we do this work.”

— Michael Gunzburg, Lead counsel for the plaintiffs

What’s next

The settlement provides significant compensation for the victims, but the case also highlights the need for improved safety measures and accountability for commercial vehicle operators to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The takeaway

This case underscores the importance of strong legal representation in securing fair and substantial compensation for victims of commercial vehicle accidents, especially when the driver's negligence leads to severe injuries and life-altering consequences.