New York has many large cities and countless residents who commute to work each day. Unfortunately, traffic congestion has led to an increase in vehicular accidents. Even though New York has fewer auto-related fatalities than other places in the U.S., it still has one of the highest accident rates. In 2014, traffic injuries resulted in an average of $729.3 million in hospitalization charges in New York.
If you have been part of a vehicle crash, it is essential to contact a New York City car accident lawyer for immediate help.
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Causes of Car Accidents In New York
Here are the top reasons for recurring car accidents in the capital city of the United States.
1. Distracted Driving
New York is one of the most populous states. With so many drivers on the road paying attention to phones instead of traffic, accidents are bound to occur. Driving and using a smartphone can be like driving drunk. It is dangerous, and you should not do it. Texting, talking, or even glancing at your phone for more than two seconds while driving is enough to cause a crash.
2. Driver Fatigue
Fatigue is another leading cause of car accidents in New York. When tired, drivers are never as alert as they should be and can fall asleep when driving. It is hazardous on long trips or if you have been driving at night. According to statistics, New York drivers averaged 91 peak hours stuck in traffic in 2017. So, if you feel drowsy, take a break and get some fresh air.
3. Aggressive Driving
Many drivers on the road are always in a hurry. They become impatient when they are stuck in traffic for long. When these drivers try to pass other cars or make abrupt lane changes, their actions can easily cause accidents. If you see someone driving aggressively, stay away from them and be prepared to take evasive action if necessary. Now that you know what can cause car accidents, here are a few things to do if you are involved in one.
What to Do After a Car Accident?
Here are three scenarios wherein you must consult a lawyer.
If You Are Injured
If you are injured in a car accident, seek medical attention immediately. Many injuries do not seem serious until later, so it is essential to get checked out by a doctor at all times. Once you have been treated, contact an attorney. Even if you do not think you were injured badly, it is crucial to have legal representation. The insurance company will most likely try to settle with you quickly compared to when you are without an attorney. With an attorney, you may get the total compensation you deserve.
If You Are Uninjured
If you suffer no injuries in a car accident, but the other party was injured, seek medical attention. If they are poorly injured, try to get their insurance information and take photos of the damage to their vehicle. They may not drive themselves home, so offer them a ride or call an ambulance. Once you have completed these tasks, contact your insurance company. They will want a report of the accident, so be prepared to give a statement.
Speaking with a New York City car accident lawyer is crucial before making any official statements if you think you are at fault. The other party’s insurance company could use your words against you.
If You Think You Are at Fault
If it is clear that the accident was your fault, remain at the scene until police arrive. If there are any witnesses or surveillance cameras, ask them for their contact information so you can obtain a statement from them later. Before handing over your license to the officer, try to get their name and badge number. It will help you in case you need to speak with them later.
Once the police have arrived, please answer all of their questions truthfully. If you are cited for the accident, contact an attorney right away. You may be able to get the charge reduced or dropped altogether.
