How likely is a NYC car accident?

The New York City Police Department reports nearly 19,000 accidents occurring between January and March 2018. The report shows you may be more likely to be involved in a NYC car accident if you are driving a passenger car or sports utility vehicle. More drivers than passengers suffered fatal injuries in NYC accidents and the leading cause of accidents was distracted driving, followed by tailgating and failing to yield the right of way. The boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens had the most accidents, with over 5000 accidents each.

The NY State Vehicle and Traffic Law website provides information on what you should do if you are in an accident in New York City. Some things to remember include:

• Exchanging insurance, registration and license information with other drivers
• Calling the police if property or parked vehicle damage is evident
• Filing a Report of Motor Vehicle Accident if property damage is more than $1001. Not filing this report within 10 days of the accident occurring may result in suspension of your driver’s license

Also, if drivers leave the scene of an accident involving any type of injury or fatality they can be charged with a crime. If you need to obtain a copy of an accident report, visit the precinct in which the accident happened. You can also find out if a report has been processed by the NY Department of Motor Vehicles by providing it with plate numbers of vehicles involved in the accident, driver’s license numbers or an eight-digit case number, if known.

Victims of NYC car accidents suffering injuries through no fault of their own may be able to receive compensation for damages. Contact William Mattar today to talk to an accident attorney about your case if you have been hurt by a negligent or reckless driver in NYC.