In New York City, there is a car accident every two minutes. This amounts to over 200,000 car accidents every year. Out of those 200,000 accidents, there are close to 200 fatalities. But why are there so many accidents in just one city? Poor road conditions, dangerous driving hours, speeding, congestion, and age contribute to many accidents.
Negligence a Top Cause of Car Accidents in New York
One of the top causes of car accidents in New York City is negligence on the part of at-fault drivers, which is entirely out of the victim’s control. Negligence in driving could refer to driving while drunk or under the influence of drugs or being distracted by something such as a phone while driving. When drivers are distracted or inebriated on the road, they risk swerving into oncoming traffic, drifting into the lane next to them, or running red lights. The results of these types of errors can range from minor to fatal.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Another major contributing factor to car accidents in New York is unsafe road conditions. Weather in the city can be unpredictable and sometimes dangerous for driving. In the fall, rainy and foggy conditions make roads slick and reduce visibility, leaving the driver at risk of skidding their tires or being unable to see the vehicle in front of them. Snow and ice compound these problems in winter by adding black ice and snow flurries. During blizzards, the driver may not be able to see the vehicle in front of them until it is too late, and when they brake, their car may skid and rear-end the other vehicle.
Age-Related Factors
Some drivers pose a threat to fellow drivers simply because of age-related factors. Senior citizens are likelier to suffer from poor eyesight, hearing loss, and delayed reaction times. These issues could threaten both pedestrians and other drivers. As senior citizens age, they may consider taking additional precautions, such as only driving during the day. They may also consider ride-sharing options or public transportation if they’re starting to see signs that driving may no longer be safe. These signs might include stopping at green lights or running red lights, sideswiping parked cars, or getting lost more easily.
Contact a New York Car Accident Lawyer
It may seem like getting into an accident is almost beyond your control, but finding the right legal firm to represent you afterward is not. Hiring the right personal injury firm after a car accident is the most valuable decision immediately following your injury. The right firm could be the difference between receiving the maximum compensation and only receiving the bare minimum or nothing at all.
If you’ve been in an accident, please don’t hesitate to contact the New York car accident attorneys at Hach & Rose, LLP. We will fight aggressively for your right to compensation while you focus on healing. Call us at (212) 779-0057 to discuss your next steps with a dedicated member of our team.