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

Michael Gunzburg, P.C. represented three injured victims in the 2018 incident involving a commercial bucket truck in Manhattan.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:30pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a shattered car side mirror, a crumpled car fender, and a twisted metal bumper, conceptually representing the financial and corporate liability impact of a serious vehicle collision.A settlement of over $2 million highlights the severe consequences when commercial vehicles strike stopped cars, underscoring the need for greater accountability and safety measures.NYC Today

A Manhattan personal injury law firm, Michael Gunzburg, P.C., 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 in March 2018. The driver struck the vehicle twice in the same incident, sending all three occupants to the emergency room.

Why it matters

This case highlights the dangers posed by reckless commercial drivers and the importance of holding companies accountable for the actions of their employees. The substantial settlement amount underscores the severe injuries suffered by the victims and the firm's success in securing justice for its clients.

The details

Ollies Mercedes, Ramon Abreu, and Raul Balbuena were stopped at a red light at West 165th Street and Fort Washington Avenue 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. The court granted plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment on liability, and the case proceeded on damages, with Balbuena settling early, and Mercedes and Abreu settling the day before scheduled jury selection.

  • The incident occurred in March 2018.
  • The settlement was reached in April 2026.

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 Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

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, a torn ligament in his right foot, and other conditions that led to him leaving 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.

Raul Balbuena

One of the three occupants of the vehicle struck by the commercial truck, who settled his case early.

Antonio Abreu

The driver of the commercial bucket truck for E-J Electric Installation Company who reversed into the stopped vehicle twice.

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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

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of holding commercial companies accountable for the actions of their employees and the devastating impact that reckless driving can have on innocent victims. The substantial settlement amount underscores the severity of the injuries suffered and the success of the legal team in securing justice for their clients.