Motor vehicle collisions can dramatically change your life. Severe accidents can cause long-lasting or permanent injury and disability. Even minor crashes can lead to financial pressures, staggering bills, and hospitalization.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a car accident, we are here to help you get the settlement you deserve. We focus on helping accident victims in New York get fair compensation to move forward and recover from their injuries.
Contact a New York car accident lawyer at The Ward Law Group for a free and confidential case consultation.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in NYC
The NYPD reports thousands of car accidents annually in New York City. Car accidents can happen for several reasons. Here's a look at the most common causes of collisions in New York.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving impacts thousands of Americans each year. Distractions like texting, speaking on the phone while driving, eating, and talking to passengers cause many motor vehicle collisions in NYC.
- Drunk Driving: Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a major cause of car crashes in NYC. According to the CDC, around 28% of fatal motor vehicle accidents involve a drunk driver.
- Reckless Driving: New York City is infamous for aggressive driving. Dangerous behaviors like tailgating, cutting off other drivers, weaving in and out of traffic, and making unsafe turns contribute to thousands of collisions yearly.
- Poor Road Conditions: Lousy weather, poorly maintained roads, construction zones, potholes, and obstructed signs can contribute to auto accidents.
- Fatigue: Tiredness, drowsiness, or exhaustion can impair a driver's ability to respond, react, or discern road conditions.
- Vehicle Malfunctions: Defects like faulty brakes or mechanical issues can cause accidents, even when all parties are careful. Automobile companies responsible for the defects can be liable.
- Failure to Obey Traffic Laws: Disobeying traffic signals, running a red light or a stop sign, illegal U-turns, and ignoring yield signs can lead to collisions.
New York is a no-fault state, meaning everyone involved in the crash will receive medical coverage, regardless of the accident type. However, medical bills and after-care may be much higher than what insurance provides. Victims may have to file a personal injury claim to secure fair compensation for injuries. If another driver's negligence has injured you, speak to a New York City car accident lawyer today.
Types of Car Accidents in New York
Severe and minor car accidents happen each day in NYC. While most car accidents are preventable, they still occur in various ways and cause injuries and damage.
Some common types of collisions include:
- Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle hits the back of another. They are among the most frequent accidents, usually caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops.
- A head-on collision is when two vehicles collide front to front. Head-on accidents can lead to serious injuries and are often caused by wrong-way driving, overtaking, or distracted driving.
- Side-impact collisions, or T-bone collisions, happen when one vehicle hits the side of another. They commonly occur at intersections or if a driver runs a red light, fails to yield, or turns without checking his or her blind spots.
- Rollovers are when a vehicle flips onto its side or roof, usually caused by high-speed turns, swerving, or hitting a curb.
- Multi-vehicle pile-ups happen when several vehicles collide with each other in a chain reaction.
- No matter what type of collision you're in, taking immediate action is essential. All victims deserve quality legal representation.
What Should You Do After an Accident in New York?
If you have been affected by an automobile accident in New York City, it's important to understand the best way to handle the situation. Here's a step-by-step guide to what to do after you get into an accident.
Step 1: Stop & Get Help
New York State law requires anyone involved in an accident to stop at the scene. If you or someone else is injured, call 911 immediately if anyone needs medical attention. If possible, move your car to a safe location to prevent further accidents.
Step 2: Notify the Police
If anyone is wounded in a car accident, it's the law to contact the police. You can dial 911 to notify the police of the accident. Even if no one is hurt, you should call the police to report the accident.
Step 3: Exchange Information
Exchange information with others involved in the crash, including their name, phone number, address, insurance company, and policy number. Take photos of their driver's license, license plate, and the damage to their vehicle.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Take photos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. This will be helpful for insurance purposes. You can also attempt to get addresses and phone numbers from witnesses. Visit your doctor or go to the closest ER, even if you don't think your injuries are serious. A medical evaluation may detect an invisible injury, like damage to your internal organs.
Step 5: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your auto insurance company ASAP. They will need to know the details of the accident and ask for any documentation you have. Insurance companies can refuse coverage if you do not contact them at your earliest convenience. Some providers may try to take advantage of your emotions and stress following an auto accident. Don't accept an offer without speaking to a car accident lawyer in New York.
Step 6: Contact Your Attorney
It's in your best interest to contact a car accident lawyer in New York City as soon as possible after an accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your rights and the legal actions to take to ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries.
If you have any questions regarding your accident or need guidance from a talented New York
car accident lawyer, contact the law offices of Gregory C. Ward and Jany Martínez-Ward for your free consultation.
How Do I Know if I Have a Case?
You may have a case if you are a car accident victim in New York City and suffered any damage. Several factors are involved in automobile accident cases, including the extent of the injuries, liability, etc. The more serious the damage that results from a crash, the more likely you have a solid case. If you think you have a claim or want more information, contact a car accident lawyer in New York for a consultation.
New York City Car Accident Statistics
Even if you're extremely careful behind the wheel, accidents happen. The Motor Vehicle Collision Report released by the Police Department City of New York shows over 6,500 collisions in February 2023.
In most cases, Brooklyn has the highest number of accidents, followed by Queens, The Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island. However, crash data changes every year. You can stay up to date here.
New York Auto Accident Statutes
The statute of limitations for most car accident cases in NYC is up to three years. You must file a lawsuit with the court in the allotted time to ensure you have the opportunity to file a claim. Learn more about New York car accident laws, deadlines, the shared fault for a crash, and the legal obligations to report a car accident in New York.
Taking legal action as quickly as possible after a collision is recommended. The longer you wait, the harder it is to gather, preserve and protect the evidence in your case. Our new york car accident lawyers at Ward Law Group will work with you to navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Get After an NYC Collision?
Whether you're pursuing recompense from an insurance company or a negligent third party, a New York City car accident lawyer can help you seek damages for:
- Medical bills
- Long-term medical care
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and income
- Disability
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
Understanding your rights can be challenging, as NY is a no-fault insurance state. Injured drivers or passengers turn to their car insurance coverage for compensation after a wreck. Policies should cover medical treatment, lost income, and other out-of-pocket expenses. There's a minimum amount of liability you need to drive a vehicle in New York, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.
According to New York personal injury laws, you can file a liability against the at-fault driver if you endured a "serious injury," like a broken bone, etc.
Contact a New York City Car Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a wreck can be hard to navigate. But you don't have to face it alone. At Ward Law Group, we are ready to offer you the legal services you need to get back on your feet. Let us handle the entire process of filing a personal injury claim so you can focus on recovery.
We work tirelessly to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.