New York Auto Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New York, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact our New York Auto Accident Lawyers at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers at (212) 514-5007 for a free case review.

For over four decades, the dedicated legal team at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers has been a strong advocate for car accident victims like you. We are committed to helping you stand up to insurance companies and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Reach out to our Wall Street offices today by phone or through our online contact form to begin your free consultation.

Understanding Car Accidents in New York City

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Car Accident Statistics in New York City

NYC Car Accident Stats

New York City, a bustling metropolis of over 8.4 million residents, is known for its vibrant energy and, unfortunately, its heavily congested roadways. NYC consistently ranks among the cities with the most traffic congestion both nationally and globally.

This intense traffic inevitably leads to a significant number of car accidents. In 2023, New York City experienced an average of more than 259 motor vehicle accidents each day.

Here’s a closer look at the car accident statistics in New York City for 2023:

Total Number of Car Accidents in NYC

According to NYPD crash data, there were 94,657 car accidents reported in NYC in 2023. While this number is still substantial, it represents a decrease from 2022, which saw 100,511 reported crashes according to data from the previous year.

Historically, Brooklyn and Queens have recorded the highest number of collisions, while Staten Island generally experiences the fewest.

February typically sees the lowest accident numbers (6,696), with accident rates peaking in May (8,668).

Injury-Related Car Accidents in New York

Of the 94,657 car accidents in NYC, a significant 53,095 resulted in injuries, affecting various road users:

23,032 motorists injured
16,434 passengers injured
4,842 bicyclists injured
8,787 pedestrians injured

Notably, there was a 5.8% increase in the total number of injury victims from car crashes between 2022 and 2023, highlighting the growing risk of injuries in NYC accidents.

Fatal Car Accidents in New York City

In 2023, New York City tragically recorded 235 fatal car accidents.

These deadly crashes involved:

89 motorists fatalities
38 passenger fatalities
22 bicyclist fatalities
86 pedestrian fatalities

While injuries from car accidents increased, there was a positive decrease in fatalities from 2022 to 2023. In 2022, 259 people lost their lives in fatal collisions.

Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in NYC

While car accidents can occur anywhere in New York City, certain areas are statistically more prone to collisions. Research and data indicate that specific roads and intersections experience a higher frequency of accidents.

These dangerous roads and intersections in NYC include:

Ludlow Street and Rivington Street (Manhattan)
Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue (Brooklyn)
2nd Avenue and East 59th Street (Manhattan)
Bushwick Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, and Jackie Robinson Parkway (Queens)
East 138th Street and Alexander Avenue (The Bronx)
6th Avenue & West 23rd Street (Manhattan)
Jay Street & Tillary Street (Brooklyn)
Atlantic Avenue & Bedford Avenue (Brooklyn)
3rd Avenue & East 14th Street (Manhattan)
Chrystie Street & Delancey Street (Manhattan)
St. Nicholas Avenue & W. 141st Street (Manhattan)
Allen Street & East Houston (Manhattan)
Graham Avenue & Grand Street (Brooklyn)
Jay Street & Myrtle Avenue (Brooklyn)
Roebling Street & South 4th Street (Brooklyn)
58th Street & Roosevelt Avenue (Queens)
Castleton Avenue & Clove Road (Staten Island)
37th Avenue and 101st Street (Queens).

While avoiding these specific intersections cannot guarantee accident prevention, choosing alternative routes might reduce your risk of being involved in a collision.

Why Hire a New York Car Accident Attorney?

Choosing Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers after a car accident in NYC means partnering with a firm that brings over 40 years of dedicated experience in handling complex car accident cases. Our attorneys have deep roots in New York City’s legal landscape. We understand the challenges you face and possess the knowledge and resources to navigate them effectively. We have a proven track record of recovering millions for car accident victims and are prepared to fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

When you choose our New York City car accident law firm, you can expect us to:

Provide unwavering support and clear guidance during a challenging time.
Actively listen to your account of the accident and build our investigation around your experience.
Conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation into all aspects of your car accident.
Meticulously gather and analyze crucial evidence, including police reports, photos, videos, medical records, and witness statements, to establish causation, fault, and liability.
Manage all communications with involved parties, including insurance companies, relieving you of this burden.
Vigorously challenge and minimize any attempts to shift blame onto you for the accident.
Consult with leading accident reconstruction experts and medical specialists to accurately assess the full value of your claim.

We are committed to preventing insurance companies from undervaluing your claim. Our experienced NYC trial lawyers are always ready to take your case to court if necessary. Our courtroom reputation is well-established, and insurance companies know that facing us in court is a serious matter, which can significantly strengthen your position from the outset. With a skilled NYC car accident lawyer from Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers on your side, insurers will be compelled to offer a fair settlement.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in New York, NY

Understanding the common causes of car accidents in New York City can highlight the prevalent risks on our roads. Here are some of the most frequent factors contributing to collisions in the Big Apple:

Distracted Driving

Distracted Driving in NYC

Distracted driving encompasses any activity that diverts a driver’s attention from the primary task of operating a vehicle safely. This includes visual distractions (taking eyes off the road), manual distractions (hands off the wheel), and cognitive distractions (mind off driving).

In New York City, driver distraction is a factor in nearly one-third of all car accidents, making it a leading cause of collisions.

Following Too Closely

In heavy New York City traffic, maintaining a safe following distance can be challenging, but it is crucial for safety. Tailgating, or following too closely, significantly reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the risk of rear-end collisions, a common accident type in congested urban environments.

Failure to Yield

Navigating New York City traffic requires constant awareness of traffic patterns and strict adherence to traffic laws, particularly yielding rules. Accidents often occur when drivers fail to yield the right-of-way, leading to collisions at intersections and merges.

Speeding

Speeding is a major contributor to car accidents throughout NYC. Exceeding speed limits reduces a driver’s ability to control their vehicle and increases both the likelihood of an accident and the severity of injuries sustained in a crash due to the increased force of impact.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of alcohol remains a persistent problem in NYC. On average, there are approximately 7 to 8 drunk-driving accidents every day in the city, highlighting the dangerous consequences of impaired driving.

Improper Passing

Aggressive driving behaviors, such as improper passing, are frequent causes of accidents. When drivers make unsafe passing maneuvers, they significantly increase the risk of side-swipe collisions and accidents involving oncoming traffic. Improper passing contributes to roughly 10% of all collisions on New York roads.

Road Defects

The condition of roads themselves can sometimes contribute to accidents. Road defects such as potholes, inadequate signage, uneven road surfaces, and sharp, unexpected curves can all lead to loss of vehicle control and accidents.

Defective Vehicles and Equipment

Vehicle malfunctions and equipment failures are less frequent but serious causes of car accidents. Defective vehicles or components, such as brake failure or unexpected airbag deployment, can lead to accidents where the manufacturer may be liable.

Determining Liability in a New York Car Accident

After a car accident in New York City, understanding how liability is determined and how you can pursue compensation is crucial. New York’s legal framework involves no-fault insurance and the potential to sue liable parties under certain conditions.

New York’s No-Fault Insurance System

New York operates under “no-fault” insurance rules, meaning that regardless of who caused the accident, your own auto insurance policy will be the primary source of compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages. This system is designed to expedite compensation and reduce lawsuits for minor accidents.

However, insurance companies, even your own, may not be eager to pay claims. They may look for reasons to deny or minimize payouts. It is important to be prepared to advocate for your rights, and engaging a New York car accident lawyer can be essential to ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under your policy.

Identifying All Liable Parties

In cases of serious injury where damages exceed the limits of your no-fault coverage, you have the right to step outside the no-fault system and file a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

In New York, you can potentially sue any party whose negligence contributed to your car accident and your injuries. This can include a wide range of individuals and entities, such as:

Drivers of other vehicles
Vehicle owners
Employers of negligent drivers
Trucking companies
Motorcyclists
Bicyclists
Pedestrians
Bus drivers and transit authorities
Manufacturers of defective vehicles or parts
Mechanics responsible for faulty repairs
Ride-sharing companies like Lyft and Uber and their drivers
Taxi drivers and cab companies
Government agencies responsible for road maintenance or signage.

Determining all liable parties requires a detailed investigation. A New York car accident attorney at Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers is skilled at conducting these investigations to identify all sources of potential compensation.

Comparative Negligence in New York Car Accidents

New York follows a pure comparative negligence system, which is a significant factor in determining compensation in car accident cases. This system dictates how fault is assigned and how it affects the amount of damages you can recover.

Under comparative negligence:

You can recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident.
Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your recoverable damages will be reduced by 20%.

Insurance companies and opposing parties will often try to maximize your percentage of fault to reduce their liability. It is crucial to have legal representation to protect yourself against unfair blame allocation and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve, even if you were partially responsible for the crash.

Accidents Involving Uninsured Drivers

Uninsured Driver Accidents NYC

While New York law mandates auto insurance, accidents with uninsured drivers still occur. If you are hit by an uninsured driver, recovering compensation can be more complex, but options are available.

One option is to utilize your own Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage, if you have purchased it. UM coverage is designed to protect you in these situations by providing compensation for your injuries and damages as if the uninsured driver had insurance.

Another option is to file a lawsuit directly against the uninsured driver. However, recovery may be limited to the driver’s personal assets, which may be insufficient to cover your losses.

An experienced New York auto accident lawyer can explore all avenues for compensation, including identifying other potentially liable parties with insurance coverage or assets, to ensure you are fully compensated.

Types of Damages Recoverable in a NYC Car Accident

If you’ve been injured in a car accident in NYC, you may be entitled to recover various types of damages to compensate for your losses. Compensation in car accident cases typically falls into three categories: economic damages, non-economic damages, and in some cases, punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to cover your direct financial losses resulting from the car accident. These are quantifiable costs and expenses and typically include:

Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for treatment, hospitalization, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and medical equipment.
Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost due to the accident, including both past and future lost earnings and diminished earning capacity.
Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your damaged vehicle or other personal property.
Other Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Additional costs incurred due to the accident, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or necessary home modifications.

The goal of economic damages is to restore you to the financial position you were in before the accident occurred.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages address the subjective, non-monetary losses you experience due to the accident. These damages are more personal and harder to quantify, but are equally important and can include:

Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by your injuries.
Emotional Distress: Damages for psychological impacts such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for the reduction in your ability to participate in hobbies and activities you enjoyed before the accident.
Loss of Consortium: Damages claimed by a spouse for loss of companionship, intimacy, and services due to the injury of their partner.
Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for permanent changes to your appearance due to injuries.

New York State does not place a cap on non-economic damages in personal injury cases, recognizing the profound impact these losses can have on your life.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are awarded in rare cases to punish a defendant for particularly egregious conduct, such as intentional misconduct or gross negligence. These damages are intended to deter similar behavior in the future and are only awarded when the defendant’s actions are found to be malicious or shockingly reckless. Proving eligibility for punitive damages requires demonstrating a high degree of fault beyond mere negligence.

How Much Is Your Car Accident Case Worth?

The value of your car accident case is unique to your specific circumstances and the extent of your injuries and losses. It’s crucial not to underestimate the potential financial and personal impact of a car accident. To accurately assess the value of your claim, consulting with an experienced car accident lawyer is essential.

When evaluating your case, consider these key factors:

Severity of Injuries: The extent and nature of your injuries, including whether they require hospitalization, surgery, ongoing medical treatment, or long-term care.
Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation: The cost of past and future medical care, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and necessary medical equipment.
Impact on Earning Capacity: Whether your injuries prevent you from returning to work, the duration of lost work, and the long-term effects on your ability to earn income.
Effects on Daily Life: How the accident and your injuries have affected your daily routines, personal relationships, and overall quality of life, including the need for assistance with daily tasks.
Vehicle and Property Damage: The extent of damage to your vehicle and other property involved in the accident.
Emotional and Psychological Impact: The emotional and mental health consequences of the accident, such as depression, anxiety, or PTSD.

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers leverages decades of experience and a network of respected accident experts in the New York area to thoroughly evaluate your case. We delve into the details to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your losses and to maximize your potential compensation.

Types of Car Accident Cases We Handle in New York City

At Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers, we represent clients injured in a wide range of car accident scenarios throughout New York City, including:

Rear-End Collisions
Frontal Collisions
Side-Impact (T-Bone) Accidents
Sideswipe Accidents
Rollover Accidents
Highway Accidents and Interstate Crashes
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Multi-Vehicle Accidents
Speeding-Related Accidents
Intersection Accidents
Red and Yellow Light Accidents
Uber and Lyft Accidents & Lyft Accidents
Truck Accidents
Accidents Involving Bicyclists and Pedestrians

No matter the type of car accident you’ve experienced, our dedicated team is ready to discuss your legal options and guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

Injuries Suffered in New York City Car Accidents

We advocate for clients who have sustained a wide range of injuries in New York City car accidents, including:

Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Back and Shoulder Injuries
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Concussions
Spinal Cord Injuries
Broken Bones and Fractures
Soft Tissue Injuries
Chest Injuries
Burn Injuries
Eye Injuries
Amputations and Degloving Injuries
Crushing Injuries
Paralysis
Catastrophic Injuries

In the tragic event of a fatal car accident, our wrongful death attorneys are here to support grieving families in seeking justice and compensation for their profound loss.

What To Do After a Car Accident in NYC

After a Car Accident Checklist

The actions you take immediately following a car accident in NYC are critical for both your health and any potential legal claims. Here’s a step-by-step guide of what you should and should not do:

Stay at the Scene: New York law requires you to remain at the scene of any accident involving property damage, injury, or death. Leaving the scene can lead to hit and run charges and jeopardize your ability to claim compensation.
Move to Safety: If possible and safe, move your vehicle to a secure location away from traffic to prevent further accidents.
Call the Police: Contact the NYPD immediately. An official police report is crucial evidence for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Your health is paramount. Seek medical evaluation and treatment as soon as possible, even if you don’t feel immediate pain. Prompt medical documentation is vital for your health and your claim.
Exchange Information: Exchange contact and insurance details with all involved drivers.
Gather Evidence: If you are able, take photos of vehicle damage, the accident scene, and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Do Not Admit Fault: Avoid apologizing or admitting fault at the scene, as this can be used against you later when filing a claim.
Do Not Accept Quick Settlement Offers: Insurance adjusters may contact you quickly with a settlement offer, but these are often low and do not represent fair compensation. Do not agree to any settlement without consulting a lawyer.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer: Reach out to Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin the claims process.
Direct Communication to Your Lawyer: Once you have legal representation, direct all communication from insurance companies and other parties to your attorney.

Cost of Hiring a New York Car Accident Lawyer

Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront legal fees. Our fees are contingent upon us winning your case. We cover all the upfront costs of litigation and only get paid a percentage of the recovery we secure for you, whether through settlement or jury verdict. This ensures that you can afford top-tier legal representation without financial risk.

Statute of Limitations for Car Accidents in New York

In New York, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits, including car accident cases, is generally three years from the date of the accident. This means you have three years from the date of your car accident to file a lawsuit.

However, exceptions and shorter deadlines may apply, especially if the accident involves a government entity. Claims against government entities have significantly shorter filing deadlines. It’s crucial to consult with a New York car accident attorney promptly to ensure you do not miss any deadlines and preserve your right to sue.

Contact a New York Auto Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New York City, contact Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Our experienced New York auto accident lawyers are ready to provide immediate legal assistance and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Contact our NYC law office or call us today to schedule your free case review. We can arrange consultations at your convenience, including at your home or hospital if needed. Time is limited, so taking prompt action is essential to protect your rights.

Reputable Auto Repair Shops in New York, NY

West Village Auto Repair
743 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10014
Steve’s Auto Repair
615 W 46th St New York, NY 10036
Ludlow Garage
151 Attorney St New York, NY 10002
Midtown Center Auto Repair
537 W 38th St New York, NY 10018

*Disclaimer: Rosenbaum Personal Injury Lawyers does not endorse or profit from these listings. These repair shops were highly-rated on Yelp at the time of research.

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