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.
Five Car Accident Expert Witnesses That Can Help Your Case
When you watch TV or movies, you often see an “expert witness” play a big role at a dramatic trial. Entire cases either get won or loss by the expert witness dropping key information. Law and Order, A Few Good Men, and even a comedy like My Cousin Vinny show the role of the expert witness. Expert witnesses provide in-depth analysis to assist attorneys by strengthening, or even proving, your case. Below is a little bit more to know about expert witnesses.
Woman Killed in New York Hit-and-Run Crash
A woman was killed and at least nine others were injured in a New York car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a Reuters news report, the fatal car accident happened at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Wortman in East New York.
Officials say a man in his 20s was driving a white Mercedes when he struck the woman and six parked cars before fleeing on foot. The woman was transported in critical condition to a nearby hospital where she died from her injuries. The police apprehended the driver within a few blocks of the crash.
Uber Car Jumps Curb and Strikes New York Children
Four children and a woman were injured in a New York City car accident involving an Uber driver. According to an ABC 7 New York news report, the car accident happened on East Kingsbridge Road in the Fordham section of the Bronx.
Woman Killed in Brooklyn Hit and Run Crash
A 59-year-old woman using a walker was killed in a New York City car accident involving a hit-and-run driver. According to a PIX 11 news report, the fatal pedestrian accident happened at 42nd Street and 9th Avenue in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Officials say she was attempting to cross the road at the intersection when a white minivan struck her and drove away. She was pronounced dead at Lutheran Medical Center. The investigation to find the hit-and-run driver is underway.
Every driver in New York has a legal responsibility to remain at the scene of an accident when someone has been injured or killed. Drivers must alert emergency services, remain at the crash site, exchange information and provide insurance details to all parties involved.