Personal Injury Attorney in Manhattan

Accident Statistics in Manhattan, NY

The New York Police Department (NYPD) publishes monthly citywide crash reports. In one recent month, 8,489 traffic accidents occurred throughout NYC, 1,413 of which (16.6 percent) were in the borough of Manhattan. Consider the following crash statistics that illustrate the frequency and severity of motor vehicle wrecks in NYC’s most densely populated borough:

• In a single month, 2,565 motorists, 197 passengers, 135 cyclists, and 128 pedestrians were involved in motor vehicle collisions throughout Manhattan.
• Of the 1,413 motor vehicle accidents in Manhattan that month, 551 collisions (39 percent) resulted in injuries or fatalities.
• Of the 2,565 motorists involved in Manhattan traffic accidents, 239 (9.3 percent) were injured, and one was killed.
• Of the 197 passengers involved in Manhattan traffic accidents, 195 (99 percent) were injured, and two were killed.
• Every one of the 135 cyclists involved in Manhattan traffic accidents was injured.
• Of the 128 pedestrians involved in Manhattan traffic accidents, 126 (98 percent) were injured, and two were killed.

Here are the top contributing factors among the Manhattan traffic accidents that resulted in injuries and fatalities in one recent month:

• Driver distraction/inattention – Affected 475 (40 percent) of vehicles involved
• Following too closely for conditions – Affected 103 vehicles (8.7 percent)
• Failure to yield the right of way – Affected 99 vehicles (8.3 percent)
• Improper passing or lane usage – Affected 78 vehicles (6.6 percent)
• Disregarding traffic control – Affected 58 vehicles (4.9 percent)
• Unsafe backing maneuvers – Affected 56 vehicles (4.7 percent)
• Passing too closely – Affected 52 vehicles (4.4 percent)
• Unsafe lane change maneuvers – Affected 47 vehicles (4.0 percent)
• Pedestrian or cyclist error/confusion – Affected 43 vehicles (3.6 percent)
• Improper turn maneuvers – Affected 37 vehicles (3.1 percent)
• Driving at an unsafe speed – Affected 36 vehicles (3.0 percent)
• Driver inexperience – Affected 29 vehicles (2.4 percent)
• Alcohol involvement – Affected 28 vehicles (2.4 percent)
• Other uninvolved vehicles – Affected 15 vehicles (1.3 percent)
• Aggressive driving/road rage – Affected 12 vehicles (1.0 percent)
• Passenger distraction – Affected 10 vehicles (0.8 percent)
• Driver fell asleep – Affected 3 vehicles (0.3 percent)
• External distraction – Affected 3 vehicles (0.3 percent)
• Driver fatigue or drowsiness – Affected 2 vehicles (0.2 percent)
• Driver illness – Affected 2 vehicles (0.2 percent)

How Much Is a Personal Injury Claim Worth in Manhattan?

Many accident victims are left with substantial medical expenses, reduced household income, and diminished quality of life due to their injuries. However, New York law allows injury victims to seek financial compensation from the parties responsible for their injuries. A successful insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit in Manhattan could provide you with compensation for:

• Pain, suffering, and other physical and emotional losses
• Hospital bills and other healthcare expenses
• Lost wages and benefits from missed hours or days at work
• Reduced earning potential due to permanent injuries
• Incidental, out-of-pocket costs like travel expenses

The types and amounts of compensation you could be owed will vary depending on the circumstances of your case. For instance, New York follows a no-fault auto insurance model, which means you would first file a claim within 30 days with the applicable personal injury protection (PIP) policy after being injured in a Manhattan car accident – drivers and passengers with the carrier for the vehicle they were in, and pedestrians with the vehicle that hit them.

PIP insurance benefits are relatively limited, usually only $50,000, and you are only entitled to the maximum benefits available under your policy. However, if your crash injuries or medical expenses meet certain thresholds, you may be permitted to step outside the standard no-fault system and file an injury claim directly against the at-fault party. A successful claim of this type will provide you with a broader range of compensation for your crash injuries and related losses.

Similarly, your recovery options may look different if you suffer an injury while working. In that case, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through your employer. Workers’ comp is another type of no-fault insurance system that covers your medical costs and a portion of your lost wages when you get hurt on the job regardless of who was to blame for the accident. These benefits are typically more generous than PIP benefits under an auto policy. However, you must be an eligible employee and comply with strict filing requirements to access these benefits. It’s a good idea to speak to an attorney if you think you are owed workers’ compensation.

Another aspect affecting the value of your claim is your own level of responsibility for your injuries if any. While this won’t matter if you file a no-fault claim, don’t be surprised if the other party attempts to accuse you of wrongdoing if you file a third-party injury claim against them. When disputes arise over who was at fault in an injury case in New York, the state’s pure comparative negligence doctrine may come into play.

Under New York’s comparative negligence rules, if your case goes to trial, the compensation you are owed for your injuries will be reduced based on the percentage of fault a jury finds you bear for the incident that injured you. So, if you file an injury claim against another party who can demonstrate at trial that you were partially to blame, the court will reduce the recovery for your claim accordingly. Insurance companies will of course take these risks into account when negotiating a settlement. That is why it is critical to work with a knowledgeable attorney who knows how to fight back.