New York State has one of the deadliest highways in America. The five well-known roads where vehicular accidents often occur are ranked as follows:
- Taconic State Parkway
- I-87 (Major Deegan Expressway) in the Bronx
- Niagara Falls Boulevard (Buffalo)
- I-95 (Cross Bronx Expressway) in the Bronx
- Upper Broadway, New York City
These roads are known for high traffic volumes, hazardous conditions (like narrow lanes or sharp curves), and frequent accidents. Due to these, the fatalities surged 23 percent from 2019 to 2022, resulting in $136 billion in economic and quality-of-life costs in New York.
Road accidents are truly terrifying, especially considering the alarming number of fatalities associated with such incidents. It’s a difficult fact to know that a single unexpected event on the road could completely alter the course of someone’s life forever.
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4 Signs of a Negligent Driver
No one can predict what other drivers will do and how they may cause a severe crash. What you can do is recognize some of the most common signs of negligence on the road.
Swerving
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed 3,308 lives in 2022 alone. These cases are likely due to drivers texting, eating, or engaging in other non-driving activities.
Speeding
Another data from recent data shows that speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic fatalities, resulting in 12,151 deaths (NHTSA). Typically, accidents occur when a driver’s delayed reaction time increases the likelihood of losing control of the vehicle, amplifying the severity of crashes.
Observing posted speed limits and adjusting speed based on road conditions is crucial for safe driving.
Sudden Braking
Sudden braking can increase the risk of rear-end collisions because drivers following behind may not have sufficient time to react and come to a safe stop. Several reasons why a driver may engage in sudden braking include:
- Tailgating
- Panic stops
- Poor visibility
To avoid sudden braking, it is safest to stay 3-4 seconds behind the car in front of you. To do this, select a fixed object on the side of the road. Note the moment the car in front of you passed it, then count the seconds until you do.
Driving Without Headlights at Night
This is a sign of negligence and is illegal in all states. The highest number of fatal and nonfatal car crashes occur between 4:00 p.m. and 7:59 p.m. Drivers who forget to turn on their headlights or have malfunctioning lights pose a significant risk to themselves and others.
If another driver’s carelessness results in your injuries, you may be able to file a personal injury claim. Contact our expert personal injury lawyers to help you fight for the money you are entitled to by gathering evidence, assembling a solid case, and negotiating with insurance providers.
Common Injuries Caused by Driver’s Negligence
Negligent driving can lead to a wide range of injuries, including severe and life-altering. Here are the most common injuries caused by negligent drivers in New York:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Fractures and broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Burns and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
These injuries are typical when the accident involves a motor vehicle. According to the New York State Department of Health, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of the following:
Result In | Number of Case |
Deaths | 1,098 |
Hospitalizations | 12,093 |
Emergency department visits | 136,913 |
Cases that result in an emergency visit are often the most critical and have a probability of causing a patient’s death. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a negligent driver in New York, seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney to pursue the compensation you deserve.
Road Accident Compensation in New York
Compensation can be recovered through two main avenues: no-fault insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits.
No-fault insurance claims
Under this system, your car insurance company will cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and certain other damages up to your policy limit, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This is known as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, and it consists of the following:
- 80% of lost earnings, up to $2,000/month for three years, subject to offsets for New York disability, Worker’s Compensation, and Social Security disability.
- Up to $25/day for one year to cover expenses like household help and medical transportation.
- $2,000 death benefit in addition to the $50,000 basic No-Fault limit.
However, a person may be ineligible for No-Fault benefits if they were:
- Driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs (except for emergency health services)
- Intentionally causing their injuries
- Riding an ATV or motorcycle
- Committing a felony
- In a known stolen vehicle
- The owner of an uninsured vehicle
Personal injury lawsuits
If your injuries are meet the serious injury threshold, you may be able to step outside the no-fault system and bring a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver.
In New York, you can pursue a lawsuit if your injuries result in any of the following:
- Significant disfigurement
- Bone fracture
- Permanent limitation of use of a body organ or member
- Substantial disability for 90 days or more
- Death
Once the appropriate claim has been identified for the victim, it is crucial to build a strong case to succeed in a personal injury lawsuit.
The Porter Law Group has decades of collective experience handling personal injury cases involving vehicular accidents in the State of New York. Our lawyers have recovered millions* of dollars for vehicular accident victims, and we stand ready to help you and your family get the answers and financial compensation you merit.
Learn How to File a New York Compensation Claim Following an Accident
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Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney in New York Today
Dealing with insurance claims, severe injuries, or negotiations in New York's legal process can be challenging. Especially when you're already coping with the aftermath of an accident.
At The Porter Law Group, our experienced personal injury lawyers understand the complexities of these cases. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence to build a strong case, and tenaciously advocate for your rights.
Our goal is to help you recover the full compensation you need and deserve for your injuries and losses.
Get in touch with us at 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com to schedule your free case evaluation today. Let us put our knowledge, skills, and resources to work for you and fight for the compensation you need to move forward after a devastating accident.