What to Do If You’re in a Car Crash
Being in a car crash can be scary. One moment you are driving along, minding your own business, and next thing you know the world seems to turn upside down. But once the initial shock subsides, there are a few things to know in order to get your life back to normal as quickly as possible. If multiple people are involved, than others may take some of these steps, but be sure to do everything you can to keep yourself safe and protect your rights.
Top Causes of New York City Rear-End Car Accidents
Car accidents, specifically rear-end collisions, are a regular occurrence on the streets and highways of New York City. And it is a sad fact that drivers and passengers often suffer injuries as a result, and sometimes these injuries can be life-altering. It takes no time at all for an unfocused driver to cause a collision that can having serious and lasting effects on others.
Broken Bone Injuries Commonly Suffered in New York City Car Accidents
Traffic collisions happen every day, and unfortunately, they not only cause extreme emotional distress, but also leave a wide range of physical trauma in their wake. Broken bones, in particular, are a leading injury suffered in New York City car accidents. Though they may not be life-threatening, fractures can certainly be debilitating for a long period of time and even life-altering depending on their severity.
What to Do in an Accident with an Uninsured New York Driver
New York State law is very clear about the requirements for car insurance for drivers. According to the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), “To register a vehicle in New York State you must have New York State issued automobile liability insurance coverage. If you do not maintain the coverage, the DMV can suspend your vehicle registration and your driver license.” Any New Yorker caught driving without car insurance faces fines and the possibility of their driving privileges being suspended for a period of time.
Top Causes of New York City Car Accidents
Anyone who lives or works in New York City is well aware of how much traffic is on Manhattan streets and freeways. There are an incredible number of cars, motorcycles, buses, cabs, and an increasing number of bicycles in New York City. With so many vehicles, there are a staggering number of car accidents in New York City each year.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a New York City car accident, you are well aware of the struggle faced by injury victims. Many New York City car accidents result in victims suffering from broken bones, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other major medical problems.
Types of Abdominal Injuries Caused By a New York City Car Accident
In many instances, a car accident can leave a person suffering from serious internal organ damage. These types of abdominal injuries can cause life-long debilitating effects. Abdominal injuries suffered in a New York City car accident can be especially dangerous because many injuries do not show obvious external signs of being present immediately after a car accident. Many abdominal injuries show their symptoms days, weeks, or even months after a car accident.
If you or a loved one have suffered serious internal injuries after a New York City car accident, do not hesitate to contact Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP. We can be reached at (212) 986-7353.
Is My New York Intersection Accident Worth Investigating?
Anyone who lives, works, or visits New York City knows how dangerous our streets are. With so many pedestrians, cars, taxis, and a rising number of bicycles on our streets, accidents at intersections are common in the Big Apple. Intersection accidents can cause devastating accidents for the pedestrians, drivers, or bicyclists involved. If you or a loved one have been injured in a New York City intersection accident, you need to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal rights and options.
Common Causes of New York City Intersection Accidents
Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP has helped many people and their families suffering after New York City intersection accidents. Here are the most common causes of intersection accidents our clients have reported over the years:
Officers Injured in New York City Four-Car Crash
Several police officers and one civilian driver were injured in a New York City car accident involving the new elite “SRG” tactical unit. The chain reaction car crash occurred at East 116th Street and FDR Drive in East Harlem. Officials say one police car rear-ended a civilian car, causing a chain-reaction involving another civilian car and a third police vehicle. At least three officers were hospitalized, seven were taken transported for treatment, one civilian suffered minor injuries, and another refused medical attention.
The Staggering Number of New York City Hit-and-Run Crashes
Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law 600, “Any person operating a motor vehicle who, knowing or having cause to know that personal injury has been caused to another person,” must stop, share license and insurance information and file a report with the authorities. In other words, it is illegal to leave the scene of an accident when someone has been hurt. But, every day drivers in New York City flee the scene without stopping, exchanging information, or offering any help.
An investigation led by Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer discovered that there have been about 38,000 hit-and-run crashes in New York City in the year 2015. According to a recent New York Magazine report, about 34,000 of those accidents were minor and resulted in little more than dents and sideswipes. That means that about 4,000 New York City hit-and-run crashes this year involved a personal injury.
Smart Phones Lead to More Fatal New York Crashes
Distracted driving has always been an issue. But, the growth in the popularity of smart phones has proven costly. According to a recent New York Post report, traffic deaths in the United States have increased by 8.1 percent in the first half of 2015. Increased smart phone use is viewed as a major reason for this.
The National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) says that there isn’t enough information yet to determine how many car accidents are the direct result of smart phone use. It is surprising, however, that the number of traffic deaths has increased so dramatically this year after a big drop in annual fatal crashes last year. There were 32,675 traffic deaths in the year 2014, which is a record low of 1.07 deaths per million vehicle miles traveled.