Are you Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer in NYC?

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.

When 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. These outcomes reflect the firm's broader record of success-over $5 billion in settlements and more than 60 verdicts exceeding $1 million across all areas of personal injury litigation.

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.

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:

• REAR-END COLLISION
• HEAD-ON COLLISION
• INTERSECTION ACCIDENT
• T-BONE ACCIDENT
  
• SIDESWIPE ACCIDENT
• SINGLE-VEHICLE ACCIDENT
• MULTI-VEHICLE ACCIDENT
• ACCIDENT INVOLVING A POLICE VEHICLE
• POLICE CHASE ACCIDENT
• HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT
• DRUNK DRIVING ACCIDENT
• SPEEDING ACCIDENT
• RECKLESS DRIVING ACCIDENT
• DISTRACTED DRIVING ACCIDENTS
• BLIND SPOT ACCIDENT
• MERGING ACCIDENT
• LOW SPEED ACCIDENT
• PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
• ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS
• WRONG WAY CRASHES
  

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.

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.

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.

It is an unfortunate reality that negligent drivers often carry little or no insurance. Fortunately, under certain circumstances, victims of automobile accidents may still recover compensation through their own auto insurance policies - specifically under Uninsured Motorist (UM) or Supplemental Underinsured Motorist (SUM) coverage.

There are two common situations:

1. Uninsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver carries no insurance, you may be entitled to compensation through your
2. UM coverage. This also applies in hit-and-run accident litigation where the negligent driver cannot be identified.

Underinsured Drivers: If the at-fault driver has minimal coverage that doesn't fully compensate you, your SUM coverage may apply - allowing you to seek additional recovery from your own insurer up to your policy limits.

These coverages are contractual rights governed by unique and technical insurance laws, and triggering them properly requires careful legal handling. Many drivers don't realize:

1. Not all auto policies include adequate UM/SUM coverage by default.
2. State minimum insurance limits are often insufficient to cover serious injuries.
3. Recovery under your own policy may involve arbitration or litigation, especially if your insurer disputes the value of your claim.

Our attorneys have deep experience navigating UM/SUM claims, identifying available coverages, and holding both negligent drivers and insurers accountable - even in cases involving hit-and-run accidents or catastrophic underinsured losses.

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.

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.

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.

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

According to recent NYPD traffic data, 12 people were killed in auto accidents in New York City in January 2026 compared to 16 in December 2025 and 14 in January 2025. The unusually cold weather and major snowstorms that affected the city during January may have contributed to the lower number of fatal crashes.

While monthly traffic deaths fluctuate throughout the year, January’s figure falls below the long-term monthly average, which the trendline in the chart suggests is generally around 18 to 20 fatalities per month.

The breakdown of fatalities in January 2026 also shows an unusual distribution among road users. Of the 12 victims, six were passengers, four were pedestrians, and two were cyclists, while no drivers were killed during the month.

This distribution differs from the typical pattern seen in New York City, where pedestrians usually represent the largest share of traffic fatalities. In January, however, passengers accounted for the highest number of deaths, while pedestrian fatalities dropped to their lowest level since July 2023.

The charts also suggest that January often falls on the lower end of monthly fatality counts, which may reflect seasonal factors. The polar temperatures and heavy snowstorm that affected New York City during January 2026 likely reduced overall travel and outdoor activity, including walking and cycling, which may partly explain the lower number of fatalities and the shift in victim categories.

Although a single month does not establish a long-term trend, January 2026 stands out as one of the lower fatality months in recent years, continuing the pattern of relatively moderate winter traffic death totals seen in several prior years.

Traffic Accident Injuries in New York City – January 2026

A total of 3,546 people were injured in traffic crashes in New York City in January 2026, compared to 3,935 injuries in December 2025 and 3,495 in January 2025. The January figure, therefore, represents a significant decrease from the previous month but remains slightly higher than the number of injuries recorded during the same month one year earlier.

The charts below suggest that January typically falls toward the lower end of the yearly injury range, as colder temperatures and winter weather tend to reduce overall travel activity. The freezing temperatures and the heavy snowstorm that affected New York City during January 2026 may have contributed to the month-to-month decline in injuries.

Motorist injuries

1,486 motorists were injured in January 2026, compared to 1,696 in December 2025 and 1,483 in January 2025. Motorists continue to represent the largest category of injured road users, accounting for roughly 42% of all injuries in January. The number of injured motorists dropped noticeably from December but remained almost identical to the level recorded one year earlier.

Passengers injuries

1,052 passengers were injured in January 2026, compared to 1,029 in December 2025 and 1,007 in January 2025. Passenger injuries, therefore, increased slightly both month-to-month and year-over-year, making passengers the second-largest group of injured road users during the month.

Cyclists Injuries

The charts also illustrate a strong seasonal pattern for cyclist injuries. The number of cyclists injured tends to drop significantly during winter months and increase during warmer seasons when cycling activity rises. The 202 cyclist injuries recorded in January 2026, compared with 271 in December 2025, likely reflect the extreme weather that affected the city during the month, which likely discouraged cycling and reduced exposure.

Pedestrian injuries

Although pedestrian fatalities were relatively low in January 2026, the injury chart shows that pedestrians continue to represent a large share of traffic injury victims in New York City. Even during winter months, when pedestrian activity may decrease, hundreds of pedestrians are still injured each month in traffic crashes. This contrast between lower fatality numbers and consistently high injury numbers highlights the ongoing vulnerability of pedestrians on city streets.

Overall, while traffic injuries declined compared to December, the long-term trendline shown in the chart suggests that monthly injury totals in New York City have remained relatively stable in recent years, typically fluctuating between 3,500 and 5,000 injuries per month depending on seasonal conditions and traffic activity.

Traffic-injury data also shows a clear decline in reported injuries beginning after the onset of COVID-19, compared to the years immediately preceding the pandemic. This shift coincides with a change in NYPD policy under which officers no longer routinely respond to minor motor-vehicle crashes. As a result, many minor collisions no longer generate police reports, and injuries that are not immediately apparent—such as whiplash or concussions—may go undocumented or not formally linked to a crash when symptoms emerge later.

This change in reporting practices can distort traffic-safety data by capturing primarily higher-severity crashes, creating the appearance of improved road safety while undercounting minor but still consequential injuries. Incomplete reporting also complicates the evaluation of road-safety initiatives, including Vision Zero, which rely on comprehensive injury data to identify risk patterns, allocate resources, and measure effectiveness. From a public-health perspective, the trend underscores the need for improved self-reporting systems and greater public awareness about documenting crashes and seeking medical evaluation even when police do not respond at the scene.

No Motorist killed in January 2026

Motorist fatalities in New York City typically fluctuate from month to month, most often ranging between 3 and 8 deaths, with occasional spikes above that level. In January 2026, however, no motorists were killed in traffic crashes, making it an unusual data point compared to the historical pattern shown in the chart. Most months over the past decade have recorded at least several driver deaths, so the absence of motorist fatalities in January likely reflects reduced travel during the extreme cold and snowy weather that affected the city during the month. This also reinforces the broader trend that drivers generally account for fewer traffic fatalities than more vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.

Motorist injuries remain low in January 2026

A total of 1,486 motorists were injured in traffic crashes in New York City in January 2026, compared to 1,696 in December 2025 and 1,483 in January 2025. The chart shows that motorist injuries have fluctuated over the past decade, typically ranging between about 1,400 and 2,400 per month, with January 2026 falling toward the lower end of that range and reflecting a decline from the previous month.

Under current NYPD reporting policies, crashes that result in minor injuries are less likely to generate formal police reports. As a result, the injuries reflected in this data are more likely to involve more serious or medically significant harm, meaning the decline does not simply reflect underreporting but also suggests that the most dangerous COVID-era driving behaviors continue to recede.

NYC Passenger Fatalities Are Unusually High in January 2026

Passenger fatalities in New York City traffic crashes generally fluctuate at relatively low levels from month to month, most often ranging between 1 and 4 deaths, with occasional spikes reaching 5 to 8 fatalities in months when severe crashes occur. The chart also shows a gradual upward trend over the past decade, with passenger deaths becoming slightly more frequent after 2020 compared to earlier years.

In January 2026, six passengers were killed in traffic crashes in New York City, which places the month above the typical historical range for passenger fatalities. This is particularly notable because passengers represented the largest category of fatalities during the month, surpassing pedestrians and cyclists, which is not the usual pattern in New York City traffic fatality data. While monthly fluctuations are common, the January figure highlights how a small number of severe crashes can significantly influence monthly fatality totals.

Passenger Injuries in January 2026 Remain Consistent with Recent Lower Trend

Passenger injuries in New York City traffic crashes have generally declined over the past decade, as reflected by the downward trendline in the chart. In January 2026, 1,052 passengers were injured, compared with 1,029 in December 2025 and 1,007 in January 2025, placing the month within the lower range of recent passenger injury totals.

It is also important to consider that changes in NYPD reporting practices since 2020 mean crashes resulting only in minor injuries are less likely to generate formal police reports. As a result, the data increasingly reflects more serious or medically significant injuries, which may contribute to the apparent decline in reported injury totals. For this reason, traffic injury trends are generally more meaningful when analyzed using data from 2020 onward, when these reporting practices became more consistent.

Driver Inattention Remains the Leading Cause of NYC Traffic Crashes in January 2026

Drivers’ behavior continues to play a major role in traffic crashes in New York City. In January 2026, driver inattention or distraction was by far the most frequently cited contributing factor, appearing in a significantly higher number of crashes than any other human factor. Other common contributing behaviors included failure to yield the right of way, following too closely, unsafe speed, and improper passing or lane usage, all of which are associated with driver decision-making and situational awareness.

Factors such as alcohol involvement, aggressive driving, and fatigue were reported far less frequently in comparison. Overall, the chart underscores that most crashes continue to be linked to everyday driving behaviors, particularly distraction and failure to yield, rather than extreme impairment, suggesting that improving driver attention and compliance with traffic rules remains a key component of traffic safety in New York City.

Collectively, these behaviors continue to drive a significant share of traffic injuries and collisions across New York. Their prevalence underscores the limits of enforcement alone and highlights the need for sustained driver education, targeted enforcement against repeat dangerous behaviors, and street designs that reduce the opportunity for high-risk driving. Without addressing these underlying human factors, preventable crashes will continue to account for a large portion of serious injuries on New York’s streets.

The attorneys at the Personal Injury Law Firm of 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.

Your actions in the first 24 hours can affect your legal claim:

1. Seek medical attention - even if injuries seem minor.
2. Document everything - photos, videos, contact details.
3. File a police report - required for many claims.
4. Avoid admitting fault - don't discuss the case on social media.
5. Consult an attorney early - they'll preserve evidence and advise next steps.

Prompt action protects both your health and your legal rights.