Car accidents happen every day throughout the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2020, there were 5,250,837 police-reported traffic accidents in America.
New Yorkers involved in car accidents often suffer from injuries that result in physical harm or even death.
The car accident mortality rate in Long Island was 7.1% in 2019.
Given the harm that can result from a car accident, you may wonder about the most common causes of car accidents.
The common causes of New York car accidents generally involve a driver’s negligence or a vehicle problem, which we will discuss below.
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents
1. Distracted Driving
One of the most common causes of car accidents is distracted driving. New York drivers who are always on the go tend to compulsively check their electronic devices, make calls, or text while driving.
Studies show that driving while distracted doubles a driver’s risk of causing a car accident. Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents in recent years.
2. Speeding and Other Traffic Violations
One of the other common causes of car accidents is traffic violations. Impatient New York drivers often speed, run red lights, improper turns, or drive on the wrong side of the street to get past traffic.
It’s not hard to see how these actions can result in serious injury or death.
3. Drunk Driving
Drunk driving or driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance can be deadly. A whopping 30% of fatal crashes in New York are alcohol-related.
Do not drink and drive. Instead, call a cab or ask a sober friend for help. Passengers should not get into a car with an impaired driver.
4. Poor Weather Conditions
Rain, sleet, fog, or snow can wreak havoc on driving conditions. Roads become slippery, and visibility is significantly reduced. You must exercise caution if you have to drive during inclement weather.
5. Vehicle Issues
Sometimes, a defective vehicle causes a car accident. If the vehicle has a defect that causes an accident, the injured parties may be able to seek compensation from the car manufacturer.
However, some drivers are at fault when they fail to keep their vehicles in good repair.
6. Reckless Driving
Many drivers in New York engage in aggressive driving or reckless driving. This includes actions like tailgating, weaving through traffic, and neglecting traffic signs or signals, increasing the risk of collisions.
This type of driving behavior disregards the safety of fellow drivers
Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
There are countless additional causes of car accidents in the congested New York metropolitan area.
Although New York is a no-fault insurance state, you may be able to pursue a personal injury case in certain circumstances.
If you can show that the person who caused the accident was negligent or reckless, you may be able to recover compensation greater than the insurance company’s determination.
You should discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney so you can properly assess whether it is worth it to fight for more compensation for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced New York Car Accident Attorney Today
Common causes of car accidents in NY can leave you with significant injuries.
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, having a seasoned advocate to help you can make a big difference in your ultimate compensation award.
The professionals at the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 516-280-7311 today.
Theodore A. Naima
Theodore A. Naima is the founding partner of the Law Offices of Theodore A. Naima, a Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice Law Firm based in New York. In 2015, Ted was awarded the prestigious AV Preeminent® rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the company that has long been recognized as setting the gold standard for lawyer ratings, signifying the highest degree of peer recognition and professional excellence.
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