Every month the New York City Police Department releases an accident report. The accident report breaks down the frequency of auto accidents citywide, the types of accidents that occurred, and the types of individuals involved (e.g., motorists, passengers, pedestrians).
This report provides important insights into the dangers of driving on New York City’s roadways. Combined with statewide statistics, it paints an unfortunate picture that highlights the importance of having knowledgeable car accident attorneys on your side.
This is why if you or a loved one has been involved in an auto accident, you should not wait. Get the legal representation you deserve with Schwartzapfel Lawyers and contact us today for a free consultation at 1-516-342-2200.
Frequency of Auto Accidents in NYC
Auto accidents are very common in New York City. This has become especially clear since the city started recording monthly and annual data. For example, in April 2022 alone, the NYPD recorded a total of 8,389 motor vehicle collisions — 2,677 in Brooklyn, 2,339 in Queens, 1,503 in the Bronx, 1,485 in Manhattan, and 385 in Staten Island. Other key data points in the record showed that in these accidents:
- Over 16,000 involved motorists
- Nearly 13,000 involved passengers
- Almost 1,000 involved pedestrians or cyclists
In just April 2022, nearly 1,800 motorists were injured, along with roughly 1,300 passengers. Nearly 1,000 cyclists and pedestrians were also injured in the same group of accidents. Moreover, 10 fatalities occurred as a direct result of the collisions.
Worth noting here as well is that April 2022 is not unique relative to any other month. Thousands of car accidents occur every month in this bustling metropolitan area. There are a variety of reasons for this, ranging from the crowded nature of New York City streets to negligent driving and more.
Disclaimer: The NYPD monthly accident report is different from the individual car accident reports filed with the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are in an accident where there is property damage of more than $1,000, you are required by law to file your accident report with the DMV no more than 10 days after the date of the accident.
Are Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries Common in NYC?
Unfortunately, yes. This is evidenced in a 2012-2014 study, wherein motor vehicle traffic injuries proved the sixth leading cause of all injury-related deaths in New York County (the county in which New York City is located). Furthermore, the same study found that motor vehicle traffic accidents were one of the top causes of injury-related emergency department visits throughout all of New York County.
Specifically, the data indicates that each month:
- 3 New York County residents die
- 53 New York County residents are hospitalized
- 403 New York County residents are treated in emergency departments
According to the same data set, approximately 40 New York County residents die because of traffic-related injuries every year. Of note: Most of these deaths involve pedestrians, as opposed to drivers or passengers, thereby highlighting the danger of auto accidents if one is not occupying a vehicle at the time of the accident.
Similarly, approximately 640 New York County residents are hospitalized from traffic-related injuries every year. Again, most of these hospitalizations involve pedestrians, with the 2012-2014 study reporting 324 pedestrians hospitalized compared to 156 vehicle occupants.
This data paints a very clear picture: Auto accidents are not just common, but can injure drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other individuals. Therefore, New Yorkers need to know who to contact if they are ever involved in auto accidents.
To learn about this and also next steps to take if you or a loved one are involved in a NYC auto accident, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 1-516-342-2200! Or, if you would prefer to read up more on the subject first, please continue reading.
Types of Injuries From NYC Accidents
Because of the extreme weights of the vehicles involved, New York City auto accidents often lead to severe and/or debilitating injuries. Some of the most common auto accident injuries include but are not limited to:
- Broken bones
- Strains, sprains, and/or ligament tears
- Dislocations (e.g., shoulders, arms, legs)
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal damage, which may lead to other issues like paralysis
- Lacerations or deep cuts externally
- Internal bleeding
Many of these injuries require surgeries, regular appointments at hospitals, and ongoing care. These and other medical treatments may cost victims greatly in terms of medical bills. And while New York drivers are required to carry personal injury protection insurance, such insurance is not always enough to cover the costs of extensive medical care.
In these circumstances, successful lawsuits can be the accident victims’ only real means to acquire the compensation they need to recover financially as well as physically.
Causes of NYC Auto Accidents
New York City auto accidents are caused due to a variety of factors. For example, auto accidents may be caused by:
- Drunk driving or driving under the influence of drugs
- Driving in difficult or inclement weather, such as during a rain or snowstorm
- Driving while texting or talking on the phone (i.e., distracted driving)
- Hazards on the road, such as improperly stored construction gear
In many cases, New York City auto accidents are caused due to the direct negligence of another party. For instance, drunk drivers are negligent as soon as they get behind the wheel. This is because drinking impairs judgment and prevents one from driving safely.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident and believe that your injuries are due to negligence, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Contacting knowledgeable auto accident attorneys such as Schwartzapfel Lawyers may allow you to recover significant damages to pay for medical bills and more.
You can speak with us today at no charge by dialing 1-516-342-2200 and allowing our elite team of experienced NYC lawyers the honor and privilege of fighting – and winning – for you!
What To Do After an NYC Auto Accident
In the immediate aftermath of a New York City auto accident, you shouldn’t worry about legal representation. Instead:
- Get yourself and anyone else you can to safety. For example, move your car out of the road if it is still operable and it is not dangerous to do so.
- Call and cooperate with emergency services so that they can arrive quickly.
- Get yourself checked out by emergency medical personnel, even if you don’t feel injured. Sometimes, auto accident injuries can remain hidden for many days or weeks after the incident. Skilled medical professionals may be able to diagnose potential injuries and check you into a hospital rapidly, allowing you to receive adequate care promptly.
Only after you are hospitalized and/or medically stabilized should you begin making inquiries into hiring legal representation.
Here, the right auto accident attorneys can provide invaluable insights and services if you or a loved one is involved in an auto accident case. In brief, they can:
- Gather important evidence on your behalf while you recover, such as traffic camera footage, eyewitness testimonies, medical notes, and more
- Negotiate with an at-fault party’s insurance company if the company doesn’t want to pay out a settlement or insurance claim
- Fight for you in court if you are forced to sue an at-fault party to recover damages
With the right legal team on your side, you could recover significant compensation for past and future medical bills. Additionally, you may be entitled to relief for the pain and suffering your injuries have caused, lost income from time spent away from work, and so much more!
Contact Schwartzapfel Lawyers Today
Driving in New York City can be hazardous. Even if you are a perfect driver, you might still encounter a roadway incident due to the negligence of someone else. When this happens, don’t hesitate to contact Schwartzapfel Lawyers.
As knowledgeable New York City auto accident attorneys, we can protect you from accusations of negligence and help you secure compensation from at-fault parties. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay us anything unless we first recover damages on your behalf.
But you shouldn’t wait. Instead, act now and contact us today at 1-516-342-2200 for a free case evaluation and more!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You™™
Police Department City of New York | NYC.gov
Leading Causes of All Injury in New York County | New York State Department of Health
