Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers | August 16, 2024 | Car Accidents
From tragic fatalities to headline-grabbing crashes, the streets of NYC have witnessed their fair share of celebrity car accidents. Join us as we delve into the details of celebrity car crashes. These accidents serve as a stark reminder that even the rich and famous are vulnerable to the unpredictable nature of life.
1. Ryan Dunn (2011)
Ryan Dunn, an American television personality, stuntman, and actor best known for his work on the MTV show Jackass, was driving his 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 when he lost control of the vehicle. The car, traveling at high speed, crashed into a guardrail, causing it to overturn and burst into flames. Both Dunn and Hartwell were pronounced dead at the scene. The impact of the crash was so severe that the car was almost entirely destroyed by the fire.
The investigation into the accident revealed that Dunn’s blood alcohol level was over twice the legal limit at the time of the crash. It was determined that alcohol was a significant factor in the accident. The speed at which Dunn was driving also contributed to the severity of the crash.
2. Tracy Morgan (2014)
The comedian and actor was critically injured when a Walmart truck crashed into his limousine on the New Jersey Turnpike, leading to the death of his friend and fellow comedian, James McNair. Although the accident occurred outside of NYC, it had a significant impact on the city’s media and entertainment community due to Morgan’s connection to the city. Morgan was in a coma for two weeks and spent five months confined to a wheelchair.
3. Paul Walker (2013)
Paul Walker, renowned for his role in the Fast and the Furious movie franchise, tragically lost his life in a high-profile car accident. A red 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, driven by Walker’s friend, crashed into a utility pole and several trees while traveling at 90 mph.
4. Michael Phelps (2009)
Michael Phelps, the Olympian with 28 medals, was involved in a car accident in 2009 caused by a vehicle running a red light. Phelps’s car sustained significant damage when it was struck by the other vehicle, driven by Amanda Virkus, who was found responsible for the traffic violation.
Fortunately, neither party suffered serious injuries. Although Phelps was not at fault for the accident, he was cited for driving without a valid license and admitted to having consumed one beer before the incident. However, officials did not conduct sobriety tests, as he did not appear to be under the influence.
5. Martha Stewart (1997)
Ms. Stewart, the home-making authority, was accused of backing her Chevrolet Suburban into a landscaper working for her East Hampton neighbor. The police declined to press charges.
6. Justin Timberlake (2024)
Although Justin Timberlake and his attorney have maintained that the pop star was not under the influence when pulled over by police in the Hamptons, the arresting officer’s report paints a different picture. The report details that Timberlake struggled with a series of sobriety tests and had difficulty speaking and maintaining balance. At a hearing, the judge suspended Timberlake’s driving privileges in New York.
7. Billy Martin (1989)
Billy Martin, the celebrated baseball player and manager who led the Yankees to a championship in 1977, was also known for his struggles with alcohol. Tragically, he died in a drunk driving accident. Witnesses disagreed about who was driving, but it was clear that both Martin and his passenger had been heavily intoxicated when his pickup truck skidded off the road and slid down an embankment.
8. Mike Tyson (1998)
The former heavyweight boxing champion was involved in a minor car accident in Gaithersburg, leading to a dispute with the other drivers. He was later treated at a hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that Tyson physically assaulted two individuals, including a punch and a kick. Tyson denied these accusations.
9. Kevin Hart (2019)
Kevin Hart was critically injured in a serious car accident. His driver, Jared Black, lost control of the vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and collide with a tree. Both Hart and Black sustained serious injuries.
Hart’s most significant wounds were to his back. To repair the extensive damage, surgeons had to rebuild a significant portion of Hart’s spine using metal implants.
10. Billy Joel (2003)
In January 2003, Joel swerved off the road and crashed his Mercedes into a tree in Sag Harbor. Joel was hospitalized; he was not arrested.
If You Were Injured in an NYC Crash, a New York Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
Have you been in a car accident in NYC? You are not alone. A New York City car accident lawyer can investigate your claim, gather relevant evidence, discuss your options, and pursue the full compensation you need to move forward.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in New York City
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Manhattan, NY, and need legal help, contact our New York City car accident lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers
100 Wall St 15th Floor
New York, NY 10005
(212) 514-5007