Are you Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer in NYC?

WERE YOU INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT OR DID A LOVED ONE DIE IN A CRASH IN NEW YORK?

If you or a loved were involved in a car accident in New York City, you could be eligible for compensation. Dial (212) 943-1090 for a complimentary consultation with a NYC car accident attorney at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf.

New York City Car Accident Lawyers

Our Attorneys have a vast experience in helping victims of auto accident and their families getting fully compensated for the injuries and financial loss they suffered. They have obtained some of the highest verdicts and settlement in NY State and New York City.

Our Personal Injury Law Firm is based in Manhattan and handles car accident cases in New York City including Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and Staten Island as well as New York metro and NY State.

Forbes LogoRecently our partner Diana Carnemolla was selected by Forbes for their "Best Car Accident Lawyers in NYC 2023" ranking. Forbes was especially impressed by a recent $85 million verdict that she and Howard Hershenhorn obtained for a plaintiff who suffered catastrophic injury in a motor vehicle accident in Manhattan.

How Much Does a Car Accident Lawyer Cost in New York?

A consultation with a top car accident lawyer in NYC to discuss your case is usually free. Our lawyers handle auto accident cases on a contingent fee basis. A contingent basis means that our attorneys do not charge by consultation but will take a percentage on the amount recovered. This amount is usually one third of the net recovery after disbursement. This means that the cost of a car accident lawyer varies based on the amount recovered.

How to Choose the Best Car Accident Lawyer in New York City?

Car accident lawyer at New YorkWhen searching for the best car accident lawyer for your case, it is crucial to choose an attorney with extensive experience in preparing and trying car accident cases. Many lawyers claim to be "trial attorneys," but have never actually stepped foot in a courtroom. They prioritize settling cases rather than taking them to trial. It is crucial that the defendant's insurance company recognizes your attorney's willingness to go to trial. Without this knowledge, they are unlikely to offer a settlement that reflects the full value of your case. By choosing our firm, you can be confident that the defendant's insurance company will be aware of our attorneys' reputation for taking cases to trial when an adequate settlement offer is not provided.

At our personal injury law firm, we have a long-standing tradition of exceptional trial advocacy, stemming from a lineage of renowned lawyers. Our attorneys come from a distinguished line of famous legal professionals, including Anthony Gair and his father, Harry Gair, who have been instrumental in training new attorneys in top-tier trial advocacy.This rich heritage and wealth of experience have shaped our firm's ethos of trial excellence. With our team of experienced attorneys, who continue the legacy of these renowned lawyers, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost expertise and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome through trial advocacy.

Among the most recent cases, our crash lawyers obtained some of the highest auto accident verdicts in NY State:

  • Howard Hershenhorn and Diana Carnemolla obtained a $85 million verdict for a man who was seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident
  • Ben Ruboinowitz and Peter Saghir obtained a $71 million verdict for a young woman who suffered a spinal injury in a car accident and a $41.5 million verdict for a worker who was fatally struck by a street sweeper.
These three verdicts are also the first, second and third highest verdicts obtained in New York State yearly for all personal injury cases and the first, fourth, and fifth verdicts obtained in New York State yearly for all categories of law. Another car accident case for which our accident lawyers obtained $5 million for a student who was struck by a van was also listed among the 2017 New York's Top Verdicts.

The top car accidents attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman, and Mackauf have all tried multi-million dollar cases and have a reputation for refusing to settle cases unless an adequate sum is offered which will fully compensate the plaintiff for the injuries and financial loss suffered.

When Do I Need a Lawyer for a Car Accident?

If you have been injured in a car accident, you should consult a lawyer. Never give a statement, either oral or written, to a representative of the defendants' insurance company. They are not trying to help you. Oral statements will be recorded and used against you as will written statements, should the case proceed to trial. The first thing you should do is contact an experienced car accident lawyer. If only damage to the car is involved you may very well not need a lawyer and may be able to resolve the damage to your car on your own.

The New York car accident lawyer at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershhenhorn, Steigman and Mackauf specialize in:

How Will I Be Compensated in a Car Accident Case?

The car accident attorneys at our firm have helped thousands of families that are suffering from serious injuries as a result of auto accidents. We retain expert accountants, financial analysts and economists because every car accident case has its own set of associated costs, including pain and suffering, lost wages, the cost of care and many other monetary costs.

In order to accurately assess what these costs will be for the remainder of a victim's life, we use financial professionals to derive fair resolutions for injury victims.

Do Car Accidents Always Result in Litigation in New York?

Accidents involving motor vehicles are among the most common causes of serious injury and death in the United States each year. Despite the advancements in technology and significant safety improvements in cars and in the design of roads, automobile accidents remain quite common. In fact, car accident claims and lawsuits are probably the most common type of civil tort case filed by attorneys today. It is important to note that not every car accident will result in litigation. Where nobody is injured or the injuries are not considered serious, the No-Fault laws of New York will generally govern any bodily injury claims and restrict recovery. Conversely, the more serious the injury that results from a car accident, the more likely it is that a successful recovery can be obtained.

Automobile accidents are a class of tort cases which derive, for the most part, from the basic tort principles of negligence. Negligence is generally defined as the lack of ordinary care. It is a failure to use that degree of care that a reasonably prudent person would have used under the same circumstances. It may arise from doing an act that a reasonably prudent person would not have done under the same circumstances, or, from failing to do an act that a reasonably prudent person would have done under the same circumstances.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Accidents Requiring Litigation in NY? Driver Error or Driver Negligence

In the context of automobile accidents, negligence can arise under many situations. The most common cause of automobile accidents is driver error. The common driver errors seen in auto litigation are: failure to yield the right of way, following too closely, driving at an excessive rate of speed, driving while intoxicated and driving under the influence, and disregard of traffic control devices.

Distractions to Vehicle Driver

These are not the only causes of auto accidents, however in our modern world, distractions to a motor vehicle driver have become an increasing cause of accidents. Common distractions include: car driver uses a cellular phone, car driver attempts to read, car driver puts on makeup, car driver changes the radio station, and numerous other distractions both inside and outside of the vehicle.

Failure to Properly Service and Maintain a Car, Truck, or Bus

Another significant area of automobile litigation, often seen in a commercial vehicle setting, involves the failure to properly service and maintain the vehicle.

This failure is being seen more frequently in automobile litigation every day. Typically, they will involve the breakdown of a part of the car, truck, or bus due to the failure of the owner or a service company to properly maintain and service the car, truck or bus.

The results of this failure are, quite often, catastrophic. For example, the simple failure to properly lubricate the bearings (a standard maintenance item) on a car or commercial vehicle, such a truck can result in an entire wheel assembly becoming disengaged from the vehicle while driving.

Road Defect or Negligent Design of the Roadway

A special class of automobile accidents involves factors external to the driver or the vehicle. These are generally known as roadway defect cases. They can involve the design of the roadway itself wherein a: poorly designed roadway, means of controlling traffic can cause or contribute to an accident, construction or debris can cause or contribute to an accident and negligent design and maintenance of the roadway.

Product Liability or Auto Manufacturing Defect

Automobile accident litigation may involve a unique class of litigation known as products liability. In the automobile context, these claims involve a defect in a given motor vehicle which caused the accident and resulting injuries. These defects can include tire blowout, brake failure and mechanical failure.

Often, a design or manufacturing defect will not cause the actual accident, but cause the injuries sustained in the accident to be far worse. Well-known examples of this include the following design defects:

  • SUV more susceptible to rolling over in an accident
  • Gas tank more likely to ignite in a collision
  • Manufacturing defect which causes a seatbelt to fail
  • Failure of an airbag to deploy properly

Frequently, the responsibility for an automobile accident does not rest with one single party. In fact, there can be multiple factors which caused or contributed to a car accident. Among the most common contributing factor to a motor vehicle accident is the conduct of the injured person himself/herself- the plaintiff. In those situations, rather than deny the plaintiff in a car accident case any recovery, a jury is permitted to compare and apportion the negligence of the plaintiff against that of the defendant and adjust its damage award to the plaintiff according to the degree of comparative negligence of the plaintiff. Thus, if a jury finds the plaintiff 25% responsible for an accident, the jury can reduce the plaintiff's recovery by 25%. Under some situations, a jury can find that an injured party is 100% responsible for a motor vehicle accident. If that is the case, the injured party will not be entitled to a recovery, no matter how badly injured he/she is. It is also important to note that, in some jurisdictions (i.e. New Jersey), a plaintiff who is found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident is not entitled to recovery at all. This is not the law in New York, however.

What Happens if the at-Fault Driver Doesn't Have Sufficient Insurance Coverage to Compensate the Victims?

It is an unfortunate reality in the world today that the negligent operator of a car may not have sufficient insurance coverage to compensate the victim of his negligence. Under certain circumstances, the victim of an automobile accident may be entitled to make a claim under his/her own automobile insurance policy. This is often known as UM/SUM coverage. It typically arises under two circumstances:

  1. The negligent driver has no insurance
  2. The negligent driver has minimal insurance

Unique, technical laws exist which govern the ability of an injured person to recover under these situations where a negligent driver has either no insurance or minimal insurance. Where the negligent driver is uninsured, it is often difficult for a person who is injured in a car accident to obtain appropriate compensation. If the injured party carries what is known as "uninsured motorist coverage" through their own automobile insurance policy, they may have a source of compensation in the event that the other driver fails to carry insurance or cannot be identified (i.e. a hit and run accident). More commonly, the offending driver is under-insured and carries inadequate insurance coverage, often at the minimum level required by state law. Many states have very low insurance requirements, which unfortunately means that some of the worst drivers on the road carry inadequate coverage due to the high cost of insurance which results from their bad driving records. Under the laws of certain states, a person may be able to protect themselves in the event that they are in an accident caused by somebody who carries inadequate coverage by purchasing additional coverage through their own insurance company. If they are injured through the fault of an underinsured motorist, they may be able to obtain recovery through their own insurance policy.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in New York to File an Automobile Accident?

There are laws that prescribe the time limits within which a person injured in an automobile accident must take certain steps to protect their legal rights or forever be prevented from proper and adequate compensation. In New York, the time in which to bring a lawsuit for injuries in an auto accident is 3 years from the date of the accident. Further, a person may be entitled to have their medical expenses and loss of earnings resulting from a car accident paid for by the applicable No-Fault Insurance policy. In order to obtain insurance coverage through the No-Fault system, certain information and forms must be provided to the proper No-Fault Insurance provider within a limited time-period following a motor vehicle accident. In New York the period to file for No-Fault benefits is 30 days from the date of the accident. The failure to provide all the required information within the specific time limits may cause the denial of an injured person's right to payment of necessary medical expenses and loss of earnings. The failure to bring a lawsuit within the statute of limitations will prevent any recovery regardless of the merits of the case.

Should I Choose a Car Accident Lawyer Near Me?

Choosing a lawyer solely based on proximity might not always be the best idea, especially in a state as diverse and geographically large as New York. Here are some reasons why:

  • Expertise and Specialization: Law firms based in Manhattan often specialize in specific areas of law and may have more experience handling cases similar to yours. They may have a deeper understanding of the laws, regulations, and precedents relevant to your car accident injury case compared to a local attorney who may have a more general practice.
  • Resources and Infrastructure: Law firms in major cities typically have more resources at their disposal, including access to expert witnesses, advanced technology for case management, and a larger support staff. This can be crucial for complex crash cases where extensive research, documentation, and analysis are required.
  • Track Record and Reputation: Top Manhattan Car Accident Attorneys often have a more established track record and a reputation for successful outcomes. This can be beneficial when negotiating settlements or litigating in court, as opposing parties and judges may be more familiar with and respect attorneys from well-known firms.
  • Network and Connections: Lawyers in larger cities often have a broader network of professional connections than a lawyer for car accidents near you, including relationships with judges, other attorneys, and legal experts. This network can be valuable in advocating for your case and accessing additional resources when needed.
  • Access to Specialized Medical Care: In cases involving serious car accident injuries, A Manhattan based personal injury law firm may have connections with top medical specialists and rehabilitation facilities, which can be crucial for ensuring that you receive the best possible medical care and documentation to support your case.

However, it's essential to balance these considerations with practical factors such as communication preferences, travel logistics, and comfort level with your attorney. While a lawyer's location can impact their resources and expertise, it's equally important to choose someone you trust and feel comfortable working with, regardless of their physical location.

What Are Some of the Most Notable Results Obtained by Our Manhattan Personal Injury Law Firm?

Our top car accident attorneys have achieved settlements and verdicts that are among the largest in New York and New Jersey. Some of our notable results include:

  • $85,000,000 jury verdict for a man who suffered catastrophic injury after being struck by a vehicle in Manhattan
  • Record setting $71,000,000 verdict for a young woman who suffered a broken back in an Upstate New York car accident. This verdict is one of the highest ever in the US for this type of injury.
  • $28,000,000 for a 21-year-old passenger of a SUV that crashed into a tree.The young man was paralyzed as a result of the crash.
  • $27,500,000 verdict for a pedestrian struck by a bus. The pedestrian suffered the loss of her leg. This is the largest verdict for such an injury in New York State history.
  • $26,000,000 settlement for the family of a 35 year old woman who was a pedestrian struck and killed by a truck on 6th Ave in Manhattan. This is believed to be the largest settlement in the history of New York for the wrongful death of one individual.
  • $12,500,000 verdict on behalf of a pedestrian who suffered degloving injuries to her leg and buttocks after being struck by a bus.
  • $10,750,000 settlement against a Japanese shipping company for negligence in maintaining their tractor trailer allowing the rear wheels to break off striking a pedestrian and causing severe burns and mild brain damage.
  • $10,000,000 settlement in an automobile accident for a woman rendered blind as a result of being struck by a drunk driver.
  • $10,000,000 settlement in Nassau County for a woman who suffered severe injuries to her legs as a result of the negligence of a bus driver.
  • $7,950,000 for the estate of a limousine passenger,  holding the limousine company accountable for their negligent hiring practices that resulted in a tragic and preventable accident
  • $7,5000,000 settlement for the family of a woman killed by a vehicle making a left turn
  • $7,125,000 verdict for a man who suffered serious injury when he was struck by a car at an improperly marked New York City roadway construction project.
  • $7,000,000 settlement for a 68 year old man who was struck by a Town of Parsipanny bus that turned into him while he was crossing the street. The judge stated that he believes this was the highest settlement ever in any case he has handled in the last 20 years in Morris County N.J.
  • $6,100,000 for a woman who sustained severe head injuries as a result of being struck by a motor vehicle backing up in Manhattan.
  • $6,000,000 settlement for the family of a Westchester County man who was killed in an automobile accident when a drunk driver struck a stopped police car resulting in an explosion and fire.
  • $5,500,000 settlement on behalf of a bicyclist struck by a police car which was pursuing him.
  • $5,400,000 settlement in a Monroe County medical malpractice case on behalf of an infant who suffered brain damage as a result of the doctor's failure to perform a timely caesarian section.
  • $5,000,000 settlement for a woman in an automobile accident injured by a drunk driver. She also suffered partial paralysis as a result of the negligence of her treating physicians.
  • $5,000,000 settlement in a wrongful death case in which a father was killed in an auto accident.
  • $5,000,000 settlement in a wrongful death case in which a bar permitted a man to continue to drink alcoholic beverages before he started driving. That man then drove his car while drunk, killing a father of two children.
  • $5,000,000 recovery in New York County for the widow of a physician struck and killed by an N.Y.P.D. tow truck while he was riding his bike on the Green Way on the West Side when the truck made a right turn on to the path and crashed into him. The decedent was not wearing a helmet.
  • $4,800,000 verdict for the wrongful death of an 8 year old child killed as the result of the negligence of a truck driver.
  • $4,000,000 verdict for a woman who was injured in an auto accident when a car crossed into her lane of travel. Her seven year old daughter was killed in the accident, and she suffered a fractured leg.
  • $3,500,000 for the death of an elderly man struck by a motor vehicle in mid-down Manhattan.
  • $3,250,000 settlement on behalf of a man injured when struck by a van in front of Bloomingdale's. The injuries included multiple leg fractures and a bladder injury.
  • $3,000,000 settlement for a woman who suffered significant leg injuries when thrown from a boat after an engine exploded.
  • $2,750,000 verdict for a man who suffered injuries when a car crossed into his lane of traffic. The City of New York was held 80% responsible (affirmed on appeal) for failing to have erected jersey barriers to prevent crossover accidents.
  • $2,600,000 recovery in an automobile accident case for the death of a man struck by a car while sitting in a restaurant when the car crashed through the window.
  • $2,600,000 settlement on behalf of a pedestrian who suffered leg injuries after being struck by a New York City Transit Authority bus.
  • $2,300,000 settlement for a young man injured as a result of negligent placement of a LILCO power line contributing to an auto accident. The man suffered head and leg injuries.
  • $2,200,000 for a woman who suffered an eye injury in an auto accident.
  • $2,250,000 settlement for man suffering significant leg injuries when struck by a car.
  • $2,050,000 recovery in a New York car accident case for a pedestrian who suffered spinal injury and surgery.
  • $2,050,000 verdict for a man who was struck by a transit authority bus while riding his bicycle. He suffered pelvic injuries and urethral injuries.
  • $1,900,000 settlement for a woman who suffered loss of her spleen and psychological trauma following an automobile accident.
  • $1,850,000 recovery for a car passenger involved in a roll-over collision in Nassau County. The victim was not wearing a seat belt.
  • $1,565,000 for a football coach who suffered an elbow injury in a motor vehicle accident and had to undergo surgery.
  • $1,500,000 settlement in an automobile accident case for a woman who sustained serious injuries to her hand in Suffolk County when her vehicle was rear-ended by an asphalt truck whose brakes failed due to the company's failure to maintain them properly.
  • $1,500,000 settlement for a woman injured in an auto accident who suffered jaw and elbow injuries.
  • $1,500,000 for the family of two elderly parents who were fatally ran over in Queens, NYC.
  • $1,450,000settlement for a car passenger severely injured by another car that did not respect a stop sign
  • $,1,350,00settlement on behalf of a 27 year old teacher killed by by a vehicle making a left turn
  • $,1300,000settlement on behalf of a 73 year old woman killed by a vehicle that jumped the curb downtown Manhattan
  • $1,250,000settlement for a man killed by a left turning vehicle in New Jersey
  • $1,250,000 recovery for a man in an automobile accident case who suffered leg fractures when struck by a car while riding his motorcycle.
  • $1,250,000 settlement for a woman who suffered significant leg injuries in a car accident.
  • $1,200,000 settlement in an automobile accident case on behalf of a Staten Island motorcyclist who sustained serious foot injuries when he was struck by a vehicle making an unsafe left-hand turn.
  • $1,200,000 verdict for a man who suffered a herniated cervical disc when an adolescent dropped a pumpkin from an overpass onto the Long Island Expressway striking the windshield of is car.
  • $1,200,000 verdict for a woman who, while riding her bicycle, suffered a lower back injury (herniated disc) after being struck by a car.
Publications & Lectures on Crashes Litigation

In addition to successfully representing plaintiffs in a variety of vehicle accident matters, the NYC personal injury attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf are sought out by the legal community for their expertise--our lawyers have written articles in the areas of car, truck, bus, and all types of automobile accident cases and have lectured throughout the country. Below are a sample of publications from and lectures and seminars in which our lawyers have been involved:

  • Basics of Handling an Auto Accident Case, New York State Bar Association, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, Spring 2012
  • 2011 "Motor Vehicle Accident Litigation: The Road Less Travelled", New York State Bar Association
  • 2011 "Motor Vehicle Accident Litigation-The Road Less Travelled": Summary Judgment for The Plaintiff, Fall 2011
  • "Auto Claims and Trials: Winning, Defending and Understanding Coverage", Lorman Education Services, Spring 2008
  • "Auto Insurance: Uninsured, Underinsured and Accident Litigation", Lorman Education Services, Spring 2007º
  • "What They Continue to do Wrong: The Mistakes Repeatedly Made by Plaintiffs' and Defendants' Counsel", Emerging Issues in Motor Vehicle Product Liability Litigation, American Bar Association, Tort Trial and Insurance Practice Section, Scottsdale, Arizona, Spring 2007
  • "Automobile Litigation: Update and Strategies", New York State Bar Association, Spring 2006
  • "Update on Trucking Litigation and Claims", New York State Bar Association., 2006
  • Publications
    • "Intake of the Plaintiff’s Case," Basics of Handling an Auto Accident Case, New York State Bar Association, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, Spring 2012
    • "Summary Judgment for the Plaintiff in Auto Accident Cases," Basics of Handling an Auto Accident Case, New York State Bar Association, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, Spring 2012
    • "Motorcycle and Bike Accidents," 2011 Motor Vehicle Accident Litigation – The Road Less Travelled, New York State Bar Association, Torts, Insurance and Compensation Law Section, Fall 2011
    • "Evaluating Damages Related to Automobile Accident Claims and Selecting the Right Experts", New York State Bar Association, Automobile Litigation: Update and Strategies, Spring 2006
    • "Joint and Several Liability and the Interplay of CPLR Art. 16-Motor Vehicle Accidents," New York State Bar Association, 1998
How Many People Are Killed and Injured Monthly in Auto Accidents in New York City?

In New York City, traffic accidents claimed 63 lives in the third quarter of 2023. This figure includes 31 motor vehicle operators, 10 passengers, 6 cyclists, and 16 pedestrians. Comparatively, in the same period last year, 70 fatalities were recorded: 25 motorists, 15 passengers, 4 cyclists, and 26 pedestrians.

Notably, pedestrian deaths have dropped to their lowest since the inception of the Vision Zero initiative in 2014, yet cyclist, motorist, and passenger fatalities remain alarmingly high. Post-Vision Zero implementation, motorist deaths initially saw a significant decrease, bottoming out at 13 in 2016. However, the trend reversed in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Motorist fatalities escalated from 21 to 31 in Q3 of 2020, further increasing to 33 in Q3 of 2021. This rise was initially attributed to increased speeding on emptier streets amid the pandemic. Surprisingly, even as normal traffic resumed, motorist fatalities have stayed constant, mirroring the 2020 figures.

This persistent high rate of motorist fatalities, despite the return of regular traffic patterns, raises questions about the evolving dynamics of road safety in New York City.

A graph of car accidents fatalities by category of road users

After the COVID-19 crisis, New York City witnessed a notable shift in the pattern of traffic-related injuries. Compared to the pre-COVID-19 era, the overall injury count remains lower. Specifically, 6,230 motorists, 4,546 passengers, 1,486 cyclists, and 1,925 pedestrians sustained injuries during Q3 2023. This is a slight increase from the previous year's figures of 5,764 motorists, 4,480 passengers, 1,563 cyclists, and 1,912 pedestrians.

A compelling observation from this data is the apparent correlation between the city's activity level and traffic accident injuries. The injury count dropped to its lowest during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020 and then gradually rose as the city's activities resumed. While New York City is still on the path to recovery from the COVID-19 aftermath, the level of urban activity has not yet reached the heights of 2019 and earlier years.

An interesting anomaly in these trends is the case of cyclists. The injury rates among cyclists have remained relatively stable, both before and after the pandemic. This consistency can be partly attributed to the evolving urban mobility landscape in New York. The pandemic-era has seen significant changes, including the legalization of e-bikes and scooters, the expansion of the Citi Bike program, and the addition of bike lanes across the city. These developments have encouraged a growing number of New Yorkers to adopt small mobility devices for their daily commutes, reshaping the city's transportation dynamics."

A graph of auto accident injuries during Q3 by category of road usersFatalities Among Motor Vehicle Operators Surpass 30 Again During Q3 2023

The recent trend in motor vehicle accident fatalities in New York City reveals a concerning development. Last year, there was a momentary sense of relief when fatalities dropped to 25 in the third quarter, down from 33. This decrease was perceived as a sign that the reckless driving patterns prevalent during the COVID-19 crisis were subsiding and that traffic behavior was stabilizing back to pre-pandemic norms. However, the data from the third quarter of 2023 tells a different and disconcerting story. Over 30 individuals lost their lives in car accidents during this period, an alarmingly high number that raises serious concerns.

A graph of motor vehicle operator deaths in NYC accidents during the third quarterMotorist Injuries Back Above 6000 During Q3 2023

During the period spanning July 1st to September 30th, 2023, a total of 6,230 individuals sustained injuries in traffic accidents. This figure represents a slight increase compared to the 5,764 injuries recorded during the same timeframe in 2022. However, both these numbers mark a significant decline from the pre-COVID-19 era, where it was common for over 7,000 people to be injured in traffic accidents in New York City during the third quarter of a typical year.

This reduction in the number of injuries, while ostensibly positive, may not necessarily be a direct result of enhanced road safety measures. Instead, it's plausible that this decline is largely attributable to the reduced overall activity in the city, a lingering effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has led to changes in commuting patterns, with more people working from home and fewer vehicles on the road, thereby potentially reducing the number of traffic-related incidents.

It is important to consider that while the reduction in injuries is a welcome development, it might not be indicative of a long-term improvement in traffic safety. Once the city returns to its pre-pandemic levels of activity, there is a risk that the number of traffic-related injuries could rise again if substantive safety measures are not implemented and maintained. Therefore, it is crucial for city planners and policymakers to continue focusing on traffic safety improvements to ensure a sustained decrease in accidents and injuries, independent of external factors like the pandemic.

A graph of Motorist unjuried inNYC crashes during Q3Similar Trend in Passenger Injuries Post-Lockdown

The trends observed in overall traffic-related injuries are mirrored in the specific context of passenger injuries as well. Following a significant decrease to 3,890 immediately after the lockdown—a period marked by stringent travel restrictions and a general reduction in mobility—there was a noticeable rebound. During the third quarter of 2021, passenger injuries rose to 4,820, and in the subsequent two years, the figures consistently remained above 4,500 for the same period. However, it's important to note that these numbers never surpassed the 5,000 mark, which was the norm prior to the COVID-19 crisis.

This pattern suggests that while there has been a recovery from the lowest point during the lockdown, the number of passenger injuries has not returned to its pre-pandemic levels. This could be indicative of lasting changes in travel behavior and the overall reduction in commuting and travel that the pandemic brought about. While the increase in passenger injuries post-lockdown might imply a resumption of regular activities, the fact that these numbers haven’t reached pre-pandemic levels could also suggest a continued, albeit diminished, impact of the pandemic on travel patterns.

It's also possible that various safety measures and changes in urban mobility patterns, possibly accelerated by the pandemic, are contributing to keeping these injury numbers below their previous highs. As with overall traffic injuries, it's crucial for authorities to analyze these trends closely to understand the underlying factors and to implement effective safety measures that can lead to a sustained reduction in passenger injuries, irrespective of fluctuating external circumstances like health crises or changes in mobility trends.

A graph of passengers injuried in NYC auto accidents during the third quarter of the yearPersistent High Number of Passenger Fatalities

The hypothesis attributing the decline in traffic injuries to enhanced safety measures faces scrutiny when considering the persistently high numbers of passenger deaths. Notably, the third quarter of the previous year marked a record high with 15 passenger deaths. While there was a decrease to 10 fatalities in the third quarter of this year, this number is still significant, representing the second-highest figure for passenger deaths recorded in the last decade.

This pattern raises questions about the effectiveness of current safety measures. The fact that passenger fatalities remain at such elevated levels suggests that there may be specific risk factors affecting passenger safety that are not being adequately addressed. The slight reduction in fatalities, while encouraging, does not necessarily indicate a successful implementation of safety protocols, especially when viewed in the context of the second-highest death count in ten years.

A graph of passenger deaths in NYC accidents during the third quarterDISTRACTED DRIVING CONTINUES to CAUSE the MAJORITY of CRASHES in NYC

In New York City, the predominant cause of road accidents is driver inattention and distraction. The third quarter (Q3) statistics are alarming: distracted driving led to 6,964 accidents, averaging over 2,000 incidents monthly. This figure is more than triple the accidents caused by the second leading factor, 'following too closely,' which accounted for 1,825 incidents. Not far behind, failing to yield the right of way resulted in 1,629 accidents, ranking third in common crash causes. Other significant factors included speeding (1,139 accidents), improper lane use or passing (1,051 accidents), disregard for traffic controls (864 accidents), and unsafe backing maneuvers (683 accidents). These numbers highlight the critical need for heightened awareness and stricter adherence to traffic rules among drivers.

Graph of human factors involved in NYC crashes Q3 2023

The personal injury attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf advocate for our clients' full financial recovery through detailed, meticulous preparation for trial. If you have been injured in a car accident, please contact our firm to discuss your case.

Disclaimer: Please be advised that the results achieved in any given case depend upon the exact facts and circumstances of that case. Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf cannot guarantee a specific result in any legal matter. Any testimonial or case result listed on this site is based on an actual legal case and represents the results achieved in that particular case, and does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction of the outcome of any other legal matter.


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"Everyone I communicated with at this firm made me feel like I was part of their family. My needs, feelings, and concerns were carefully considered and given the needed attention. My counselors were available whenever I needed them and became my personal friends. They came highly recommended and lived up to their reputation. I would recommend them to any of my friends without hesitation. This firm gives attorneys a "good name". Clients matter here. They made me feel like I mattered as a person, that I was valued, and not just a possible source of income for the firm. They earned their fees, and you will find that they will also earn your trust." N.W.
★★★★★
"My husband was in a coma with very little chances to survive, due to a car accident. The compassion and professionalism that they showed myself and my family during such a difficult time combined with an incredible willingness to get the best results for us have shown us that we had made the absolute best choice. They not only fought extremely hard for what proved to be a very difficult case, but they also emotionally helped us through this incredible ordeal and have been a caring advocate for our family and our case. They got us the best results we could have expected given the circumstances and didn't give up when things got more challenging." [Extract] V.P.
★★★★★
"August 2020, my mother was in a horrific car accident. I contacted Gair Gair Conason to handle my mother's case. Everyone at the firm who helped us with the case did such a fantastic job with being so efficient. We could not have been more satisfied with the services we received." [Extract] K.C.