Important NYC Car Accident Statistics You Should Know
Whether you’re an NYC resident who’s driving around the area all the time or a visitor who’s staying in the area for a few days, you should know about these NYC accident statistics so you’re better prepared when driving around the city. Even though NYC has well-designed roads that are well-maintained, accidents still happen, which is no surprise considering there are millions of motorists out every day in NYC.
To know more about where accidents happen in NYC, why they happen, what kinds of accidents happen, how fault is determined in an accident, what damages are recoverable, and what injuries are associated with NYC car accidents, read through the sections below. All these questions are answered and more useful information is provided. And when you want the best possible chance of receiving a favorable outcome from a car accident lawsuit, you need to get in touch with an NYC car accident lawyer.
Where Do Accidents in NYC Happen Most?
According to a survey conducted in 2018, NYC, a place that’s home to more than 8.3 million people, experienced over 600 car accidents each day. The total number of crashes was just over 228,000 in 2018. Most collisions happen in Queens, and the safest part of NYC for driving is Staten Island. Queens also experienced the most fatal crashes that year, whereas Staten Island barely saw any fatal crashes. Brooklyn is the second most dangerous borough to drive through, with 14,000 accidents happening in 2018, 58 of those being fatal. And within each borough, there are intersections and roadways that are particularly dangerous. These are addressed in the next section.
Which NYC Intersections Are Most Dangerous?
Below are some of the dangerous intersections in NYC, though this list is not exhaustive:
- 37th Avenue and 101st Street (Queens).
- Roebling Street & South 4th Street (Brooklyn)
- Bushwick Avenue and Jamaica Avenue and the Jackie Robinson Parkway (Queens)
- 58th Street & Roosevelt Avenue (Queens)
- 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street (Manhattan)
- Allen Street & East Houston (Manhattan)
- Graham Avenue & Grand Street (Brooklyn)
- Castleton Avenue & Clove Road (Staten Island)
Why Do Car Accidents Happen in NYC?
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is most often associated with texting and driving. However, you could be distracted by a range of other things. Perhaps you’re trying to set your radio or GPS and this leads you to get in an accident. You could also be interacting with others in the car. Distracted driving could be avoided because it’s so dangerous.
Speeding
Speeding is common in New York, and in a lot of cases this is very reckless because there is not only high car volume but I pedestrian volume as well. Speeding accidents often result in significant injuries because of the rate of speed The car is traveling out when the collision occurs.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving takes many forms. Following somebody to close, passing without using a blinker, and failing to yield are all examples of reckless driving. Reckless driving should not be met with reckless driving, as this almost always leads to disaster. If someone is being reckless on the road, it’s best to stay away from them and drive defensively.
Failing to Follow Rules of the Road
The rules of the road are meant to be followed. If everyone’s doing so when you fail to, so it can result in an accident. For example, if you have a yield sign and you don’t do this and an oncoming cars anticipating this, they may drive right into you because they weren’t expecting you to go with a yield sign.
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is especially dangerous. These can impair your judgment and cause you to react slowly. They may also disorient you to the point where you can’t drive straight or at a proper rate of speed. Driving under the influence is illegal and if you’re caught doing this, you can lose your license, have fines levied against you, or go to jail.
Poor Weather Conditions
Poor weather conditions can also lead to car accidents in New York. So you’re driving in the pouring rain and you can’t see. All of a sudden brake lights in front of you come out of nowhere and you’re around somebody. So it would be an example of an accident caused by poor weather conditions.
Poor Road Conditions
Similar poor weather conditions are poor road conditions. The road is not maintained well, search me cause you to get into an accident with a another motorist, a bicyclist, or pedestrian.
Defective Vehicle Equipment
Defective vehicle equipment can also cause an accident. So you have a blinker that’s out and you merge without knowing this. If there’s a car in the merge lane into and they’re not expecting you, they could be around you or worse.
What Kinds of Accidents Are There?
Here are the kinds of car accidents that are common in and around NYC:
- Head-on collisions
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- T-bone collisions
- Speeding accidents
- Intersection accidents
- Red and yellow light accidents
- Rollovers
- Pedestrian accidents
- Ride-share accidents
Who Could Be At-Fault for the Car Accident You Were Involved In?
A variety of parties may be at fault for the car accident that left you injured. Even though the accident probably just involved one other motorist, more individuals or entities may be on the hook for paying damages. For example, if you were hit by a truck, the driver, their company, and other individuals or entities may be at fault. The same goes for if you hit a city bus. Just keep in mind that you can’t sue all entities the same way. For example, suing a government agency is not like suing a private transportation company.
What Happens if You Bear Fault for the Accident?
Even if you bear partial responsibility for the accident, you’ll be able to receive compensation. New York follows the “pure comparative fault rule”, meaning that parties get compensated in accordance with how much fault they bear for the accident. Since this is the case, a party that is 90% responsible can still receive a bit of compensation. If you’re not sure how much fault you bear for an accident, you should hire a car accident attorney. Without an attorney, you’ll be at the mercy of the insurance company, relying on how they claim fault breaks down.
Which Damages Are Recoverable Following a Car Accident in NYC?
Following a car accident in NYC, you can sue for the following damages:
- Pain and suffering
- No longer able to enjoy life
- Medical bills
- Long-term care bills
- Lost earnings both past and future
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- PTSD
What Injuries Are Associated in NYC Car Accidents?
A variety of injuries are associated with car accidents. The kinds of injuries you can sustain from an accident are determined by the severity of the accident. Common car accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- PTSD
- Dismemberment
- Burns
- Broken pelvis
- Whiplash
- Spinal cord injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Hand & wrist injuries
- Foot & ankle injuries
- Facial disfigurement
- Crush injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Knee injuries
- Broken ribs
- Cuts & lacerations
How Can a Car Accident Lawyer Help You File a Claim?
In many ways, a car accident lawyer can help you file a car accident claim successfully. Moreover, they’ll allow you to focus on recovery while they gather evidence and negotiate with involved insurance providers’ on your behalf. A car accident lawyer will also be able to calculate an accurate total damages figure, and they’ll know how to seek this during settlement negotiations. And if a settlement can’t be reached, they’ll be able to present your case in front of a judge and jury in court. And the best part of all is that you only have to pay for the lawyer’s services if they secure you an award.
Gone are the days when it was hard finding a good personal injury lawyer. Now all you have to do is call 1-800-HURT-511. We’ll connect you with best-in-class personal injury lawyers in your area who speak your language and know how to win the kind of case you’re looking to bring.
Call 1-800-HURT-511 immediately, as the time you have to file a claim is ticking away by the second.
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