A 27-year-old motorcyclist died after a crash with an SUV in Ozone Park on Monday afternoon, October 19, 2026, just blocks from his home. As a Queens motorcycle accident lawyer team, we are saddened by this loss. According to QNS, which cited the NYPD, the crash happened at the intersection of Pitkin Avenue and 96th Street, and the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad is investigating.
Our deepest sympathies go to the family and friends of the young man who was killed. Below, we share what police have reported, why motorcycle crashes are so often deadly, and what riders and families should know about their rights under New York law.
What Happened at Pitkin Avenue and 96th Street
Police responded to a 911 call at about 3:40 p.m. on Monday, October 19, according to QNS. Here is what has been reported:
- A man riding a 2019 Kawasaki motorcycle was heading east on Pitkin Avenue toward 96th Street when the motorcycle and a 2021 BMW X3 collided.
- The 32-year-old woman driving the SUV stayed at the scene.
- Officers from the 106th Precinct found the rider on the roadway with severe head and body trauma. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
- Police identified him as Johnny Medina, 27, who lived a few blocks from the crash site.
- No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing.
Police have not released a cause. Only the official investigation can determine how the crash happened.
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Why Motorcycle Accidents in NYC Are So Dangerous
Riders have almost no protection in a collision. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in the U.S. in 2024, making up 16% of all traffic deaths. Per mile traveled, motorcyclists were almost 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash.
On busy city streets, a motorcycle accident in NYC often happens at an intersection, when a driver turning or crossing doesn’t see an approaching rider or misjudges the rider’s speed. Lane changes, opening car doors and poor road surfaces add to the danger. We do not know which, if any, of these factors played a role in the Ozone Park crash.
Your Rights After a Motorcycle Accident in Queens
No-Fault rules work differently for motorcyclists
New York’s No-Fault system covers most car occupants and pedestrians, but motorcyclists are generally excluded from No-Fault benefits. That means riders usually must look to the at-fault driver’s liability insurance, their own coverage (such as uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage) and health insurance to pay for medical care and lost wages. Because riders are generally outside the No-Fault system, the “serious injury” threshold that limits many car-accident lawsuits generally does not apply to a motorcyclist’s claim against a negligent driver.
Wrongful death claims
When a driver’s negligence causes a death, the personal representative of the person’s estate can bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family. These claims can seek compensation for losses such as funeral and medical expenses and the financial support the family lost. A related claim can seek damages for any conscious pain and suffering before death. A Queens wrongful death lawyer can explain who may bring a claim and help with the estate process.
Deadlines
In New York, most personal injury claims must be filed within three years, and wrongful death claims generally within two years of the date of death. If a city agency may share responsibility, for example because of a dangerous road defect, a Notice of Claim generally must be filed within 90 days. Because these deadlines can be short, it is important to speak with a lawyer early.
What To Do After a Motorcycle Accident
- Get medical care right away, even if you feel okay. Head, spine and internal injuries can be hidden at first.
- Call 911 and make sure a police report is made.
- Keep your helmet, gear and motorcycle as they are. Damage to them can be important evidence.
- Photograph the scene, including the vehicles, road surface, traffic signals and any skid marks.
- Get names and contact details from witnesses and drivers.
- Don’t give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurer before getting legal advice.
- Talk to a New York motorcycle accident lawyer who can help preserve video footage and vehicle data quickly.
How a Queens Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group Can Help
Chaikin Trial Group represents injured riders and grieving families throughout Queens and across New York City and Long Island. Our Queens personal injury lawyers know the streets, the courts and the tactics insurers use to blame riders. We investigate crashes independently, work with reconstruction experts and pursue every available source of recovery.
When a crash takes a life, our wrongful death lawyers stand with families so they can focus on each other. Learn more about our personal injury practice, our practice areas and the results we’ve achieved for clients. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. If you or a loved one was hurt or killed in a motorcycle crash, contact us online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does No-Fault insurance cover a motorcycle accident in NYC?
Generally, no. Motorcyclists are excluded from New York’s No-Fault benefits, so riders usually rely on claims against the at-fault driver, their own motorist coverage and health insurance.
Do I need a Queens motorcycle accident lawyer if police are still investigating?
Contacting a lawyer early can help. Surveillance video, vehicle data and witness memories can disappear quickly, and a lawyer can act to preserve them while the police investigation continues.
How long does a family have to file a wrongful death claim in New York?
Generally two years from the date of death, though claims involving a public agency have much shorter notice deadlines. A Queens wrongful death lawyer can confirm the deadlines in your case.
Can a motorcyclist recover damages if the insurance company says they were partly at fault?
Yes. New York follows comparative negligence, so an injured person can still recover damages even if they share some fault, though the award is reduced by their share. See more answers on our FAQ page.
Conclusion
The death of a young rider in Ozone Park is a heartbreaking reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are on Queens streets. If you have questions after a crash, a Queens motorcycle accident lawyer at Chaikin Trial Group is ready to listen. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
Sources:
- QNS, “Ozone Park motorcyclist killed in motor vehicle collision with SUV driver just blocks from his home: NYPD” (Oct. 22, 2026): https://qns.com/2026/10/ozone-park-motorcyclist-killed-collision-suv/
- NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety: https://www.nhtsa.gov/Motorcycle-Safety
- NHTSA, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month press release (2023 data): https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/motorcycle-safety-awareness-month-motorcyclist-fatality-rate
