You’d be right if you guessed that distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in New York City. It’s also the leading cause of traffic crashes across the country.
Between the almost universal use of smartphones, plenty of pedestrians, and loads of tourists trying to navigate Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, or The Garment District, it can be chaotic for drivers. But that doesn’t mean that distracted drivers who cause a crash aren’t liable for the harm they cause to victims.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by a distracted driver, you have grounds to demand compensation from the at-fault driver. Our NYC car accident lawyer can explain your legal options during a free consultation.
Leading causes of car accidents in NYC
In 2023, NYC police issued over 2,600 tickets for distracted driving. In that same year, according to the NYC DMV, distracted driving and driver inattention were the primary causes of 116 traffic fatalities.
However, there are still several other major contributors to car collisions in NYC:
Driving under the influence
It’s illegal to drive in New York with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or to drive under the influence of drugs.
However, even with the proliferation of public transportation, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, thousands of people in the city still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking or doing drugs.
Driving under the influence slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and can cause people to be more reckless than they otherwise would be. Choosing to drink or do drugs and then drive automatically makes that driver liable for any harm caused in a wreck.
Reckless driving or speeding
Roads often have lower speed limits due to dangerous conditions, sharp curves, or heavy pedestrian traffic, such as the intersection of Broadway and West 96th Street. Speeding can cause a high-impact collision that results in severe injuries.
Reckless driving, like tailgating, abruptly changing lanes without signaling, or weaving in and out of traffic, increases the chances of a wreck. The reckless or speeding driver already violates NYC traffic laws. If they cause a wreck, they’re usually liable for damages, too.
Following too closely
This is common in New York, especially since traffic often moves at a snail’s pace. If the lead driver stops suddenly, drivers who fail to leave enough space between their car and the one in front of them don’t have enough time to avoid a rear-end collision.
Usually, a rear-end collision is the trailing driver’s fault. There are some situations, such as if the lead driver’s tail lights fail to work, where the lead driver could be to blame.
Passing too closely
Passing too closely is a leading cause of bicycle and pedestrian accidents, although it can also cause a car crash. If a driver fails to give a cyclist enough room when passing, they can clip the cyclist and cause them to wreck.
Sometimes, this causes a chain reaction. Other drivers may swerve to avoid the falling cyclist, or the motorist may cut into another lane to recklessly pass a cyclist.
Failure to follow traffic signals or signs
Running a yellow light, rolling through a stop sign, or failing to follow posted traffic signs or signals can cause crashes. Running a yellow light could place a speeding driver in an intersection when the light turns green for oncoming traffic, and running a stop sign can have the same effect.
In either case, the result is often a devastating T-bone or head-on collision. Injuries can be severe, and it is usually the driver who fails to obey the traffic sign who is liable for the wreck.
Drowsy driving
Most of us run on lack of sleep, but it’s dangerous to get behind the wheel when you’re tired. Poor motor skills, lack of concentration, and delayed reaction times of a tired driver are very similar to a drunk driver. The resulting crash can be just as devastating.
Legal help after an NYC car crash
If you have been hurt in a car accident you didn’t cause, the attorneys at Lambrou Law can help you get the compensation you deserve. Any of the above causes of your car crash can be considered negligence by the driver responsible.
Contact us today at (212) 285-2100 for a free consultation with an NYC car accident lawyer.
