The New York City metro area is a bustling urban environment. Over 8 million people in the five boroughs make their homes here; add in almost 50 million annual tourists to the city, and it is easy to understand why city streets are so congested. Busy streets, unfortunately, lead to a significant number of accident-related injuries and deaths.
According to the New York State Department of Health, an average of 1100 people are killed each year in New York City by unintentional vehicle accidents, including automobile, motorcycle, and bicycle accidents. That staggering number means that an average of 5.6 out of every 100,000 New Yorkers is killed in a vehicle accident each year.
Vehicle accidents also lead to high numbers of injuries. In fact, New York City metro area residents and visitors experience an average of 12,000 hospitalizations and over 137,000 emergency room visits each year due to motor vehicle accidents. Many people involved in these accidents will be severely hurt, requiring expensive medical care and facing lost wages due to the inability to work.
Automobile Accidents: Statistics and Common Causes
Automobiles on NYC streets are responsible for the highest percentage of accidents leading to injury or death. In fact, about 300 annual deaths are caused by car/truck accidents. An additional 6000 hospitalizations and over 107,000 emergency room visits are experienced by the drivers and passengers of vehicles on city streets.
The most common causes of automobile accidents in NYC include:
- Negligence
- Careless driving
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Mechanical failure/defective vehicle equipment
- Speeding
If you have been involved in an automobile accident as a driver or passenger, file a traffic collision report with the police and seek medical attention immediately if needed. Be sure to get all insurance information from those involved in the accident. Finally, reach out to a qualified auto accident attorney to help you receive the financial compensation you and your loved ones deserve.
Motorcycle Accidents in NYC: Troubling Statistics
Motorcycles are a popular and smart way to navigate the crowded streets of New York City. Drivers of these fuel-efficient and easy-to-park vehicles are at great risk of injury on city streets, however. About 150 motorcyclists are killed each year in NYC, and motorcycle accidents result in 1600 hospitalizations and 4,500 emergency room visits annually.
Motorcycles face unique risks as they are smaller than many other vehicles on the road. They also offer less protection for the rider in an accident. Even if motorcyclists adopt safety precautions, they can be in danger from trucks, buses, and even debris or potholes in the road. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident, speak to a motorcycle accident attorney as soon as possible after receiving medical treatment.
Bicycle Accidents: Statistics and Common Injuries
In many ways, bicycles are the ideal transportation solution for crowded city streets. They are easy to park and very environmentally-friendly. With so many vehicles on NYC’s streets, however, bicycle riders face significant risk of injury or death.
On average, 36 bicyclists are killed each year in New York City. 640 are hospitalized, and bicycle-related accidents result in over 3800 trips to the emergency room every year. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
- Head trauma
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Road rash
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Sprains and strains
When a bicyclist is involved in an accident, police traffic incident reporting is sometimes woefully inadequate. It is imperative that you obtain police records and get medical help right away if you have been involved in an accident. Then, you should speak to a qualified bicycle accident attorney to preserve your rights and to get the financial compensation you deserve. Call The Ashley Law Firm today at ((718) 715-4729 for a free consultation.
