Vibrant, diverse, and iconic, New York City attracts people from all over the world. There are over 8 million people living in New York City, and it’s estimated that the City will host around 68 million tourists in 2024. With that many people on the streets and sidewalks, it’s no wonder that New York’s congestion leads to car accidents.

New York City Car Accident Statistics

In February 2024, there were over 6,700 motor vehicle accidents in New York City. Distracted driving was by far the leading cause of these accidents, with failure to yield the right of way and following too closely coming in at second and third. In that one month alone, 21 people lost their lives in fatal car accidents in the City, and nearly 4,000 people were injured.

Most Hazardous Roads and Intersections in NYC

In November 2023, Mayor Eric Adams announced an initiative to further the City’s intersection safety initiative, stating that more than half of car accident deaths and injuries occur at intersections. The importance of improving motorist, pedestrian, and cyclist safety at intersections is clear. In February 2024, the most dangerous intersections in New York City were:

• In Queens, Brookville Boulevard and Rockaway Boulevard (11 collisions)
• In Brooklyn, Buffalo Avenue and Eastern Parkway (seven collisions)
• In the Bronx, Major Deegan Expressway and W Fordham Road (six collisions)
• In Manhattan, E 125 Street and Lexington Avenue (four collisions)
• In Staten Island, Forest Avenue and Gulf Avenue (three collisions)

Other intersections that have proven to be especially dangerous for New Yorkers and tourists include:

• Ludlow Street and Rivington Street
• Atlantic Avenue and Bedford Avenue
• 3rd aVenue and East 14th Street
• Bushwick Avenue, Jamaica Avenue, and the Jackie Robinson Parkway
• Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue
• Castleton Avenue and Clove Road

Queens Boulevard, once known as the “Boulevard of Death,” has seen safety improvements in recent years but remains a concern for many residents.

Other dangerous roads throughout New York City include the Cross Bronx Expressway, the Bruckner Expressway, the Grand Concourse, Broadway, Neptune Avenue, and Woodhaven Boulevard.

Factors Contributing to Car Accidents in New York, NY

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents throughout the country, and New York City is no different. The hustle and bustle of one of the most exciting cities in the world is enough to distract many drivers, not to mention the traffic and dense pedestrian population.

In December 2023, there were 2,271 vehicles involved in injury-causing and fatal collisions caused by distracted driving in New York City. In November 2023, 2,221 vehicles were in collisions that led to injuries and death. In October 2023, 2,389 vehicles were involved in serious accidents caused by driver inattention. Distracted driving is the leading cause of accidents.

Other common factors that contribute to motor vehicle collisions in New York City are:

• Following too closely
• Failing to yield the right-of-way
• Improper passing or lane usage
• Speeding
• Backing unsafely
• Passing too closely
• Turning improperly
• Disregarding traffic control

Determining Liability for My Car Accident and Injuries

New York is a no-fault accident state, which means that your insurance company will cover your damages regardless of who is responsible for the accident. However, just because you will be dealing with your own insurance company does not mean that the claim and compensation process will be easier. Insurers try their best to limit payouts and deny claims to save the company money. They are not on your side, which is why working with a New York car accident lawyer is a good idea.

Does New York’s no-fault system mean you cannot hold the liable party responsible for the damage they caused? No, not necessarily. After a serious accident, injuries may be extensive enough that your insurance policy does not cover the full costs. You may be able to file a lawsuit against the person or company who caused the accident, including:

• Truck drivers
• The driver of a passenger vehicle
• Pedestrians
• Bicyclists
• New York City Transit Authority
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Rideshare companies like Lyft or Uber
• Rideshare drivers
• Taxi drivers or companies

To determine who may be at fault for your accident, contact a car accident attorney in New York City to discuss your case.

Possibility of Compensation Recovery Despite Shared Fault in a New York Car Accident

New York uses a modified comparative fault system. Under this system, injured parties who were partially responsible for an accident may still be able to recover compensation for their injuries as long as they are not fully responsible. As long as someone else is also at fault for the accident, you may be awarded compensation.

The damages you are entitled to after an accident will be reduced by the percentage you are responsible for the accident. For example, a driver who is awarded $25,000 and is found to be 10% at fault would ultimately receive $22,500.

What Happens if the Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?

Handling situations involving uninsured other drivers is not easy. Even though your own insurance company is the first source of compensation in New York, an uninsured driver is still a concern if your insurance benefits are not enough to cover your losses. Some drivers opt to include uninsured motorist coverage as an additional benefit to their insurance policy.

If you do not have the optional uninsured motorist coverage, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the other driver. The amount you can recover will depend on the driver’s ability to pay. This often presents limited options as many people without car insurance cannot satisfy a large lawsuit judgment.

Keep in mind, however, that other drivers are not the only ones who may be responsible for an accident. Mechanics, parts manufacturers, and various other businesses and entities could have played a role in the accident.

Available Damages for Car Crash Injuries in NYC

The most common forms of compensation after an accident in New York City are economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

These are awarded for actual financial losses and expenses associated with the car accident. Economic damages are relatively easy to calculate because they are based on set monetary values, such as the following:

• Existing medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Property damage, repair, and replacement
• Lost wages and income
• Home renovations and other accommodation costs

Non-economic Damages

There are usually additional harmful effects after an accident that are not as easily quantified. Non-economic damages are awarded to compensate accident victims for these losses. They include:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Emotional distress
• Scarring
• Loss of quality of life

Some states have a cap on non-economic damages, which means there is a maximum amount that a victim can receive. New York is not one of those states, so there is no maximum. In most cases, non-economic damages closely reflect the value of economic damages.

Punitive Damages

There is a third type of compensation that is available to accident victims in New York, although it is rare. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party rather than compensate the victim for their losses. These damages are only awarded in limited circumstances when the responsible party acted with a high degree of moral turpitude or willful negligence.

Assessing the Value of My Car Accident Case

There are a number of factors to consider when determining the value of your car accident case. Your car accident attorney can help you calculate an accurate and fair amount, but here are some questions to ask when you are assessing your case’s value:

• Will your injuries require ongoing or long-term care?
• Do you need physical therapy or rehabilitation to recover from the accident?
• Do your injuries prevent you from working?
• Are you able to work in the same field as you were before the accident?
• How has your injury affected your daily life?
• Is a full recovery possible, or do you have a lifelong disability?
• What is your psychological and emotional state after the accident?
• Is counseling necessary to address anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder?
• Will you need any accommodation to perform day-to-day tasks?
• How has the accident affected your relationships with friends and family?

Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer

When you are ready to move forward in your case with a trusted advocate at your side, contact Seitelman Law Offices, P.C.