Although NY Traffic Has Gone Down, Fatalities Have Increased

Lever & Ecker, PLLC March 10, 2022 Car Accidents,Personal injury

One of the main changes the United States faced throughout the early phases of the pandemic was a significant decline in traffic. While fewer drivers on the road lowered overall driving time, there was also an increase in the number of traffic fatalities, due to aggressive and careless drivers. Yet, as drivers have returned to the roadways, aggressive driving has continued to rise. New York’s Vision Zero reported 268 local traffic fatalities in 2021, a  21.8% increase from 2019.

When drivers act negligently or recklessly, they can cause severe, life-threatening accidents. The injuries you can suffer because of another person’s carelessness can be immediately life-changing. With the representation of an experienced car accident lawyer in New York, you will have someone protecting your rights throughout your case.  

3 Common Causes of New York Traffic Accidents

When we are driving down the road, it is challenging to think that we could be involved in a severe collision. Car accidents happen for various reasons, but there are a few common causes in New York that often lead to terrible injuries or fatalities, including:

Disregarding Traffic Laws

Running a red light and turning left when it is not your designated turn are both examples of ways you can break the rules and cause severe harm. After the start of the pandemic, many individuals felt restless and impatient, making rash decisions that caused severe harm to themselves and others.

Distracted Driving

During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found themselves with a significant amount of time on their hands. Social media and technology were a large part of staying connected with everyone while still social distancing. Now that more people are back on the road, some of them are having a difficult time separating themselves from these applications. However, it is a driver’s responsibility to keep their eyes on the road and stay focused.

Intoxicated Driving

Many people are trying to spend more time outside and with their friends. Having a drink in social settings is normal, but when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at or over 0.08%, you are too intoxicated to legally operate a motor vehicle. A few common symptoms of intoxication include slowed reflexes, impulsive behavior, and poor memory. Mixing alcohol and driving is a bad decision that often leads to serious accidents and injuries.

Unfortunately, we cannot stop others from making reckless decisions while on the road. If you or a loved one suffers severe injuries, contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover After a Car Accident in New York?

Severe injuries often require immediate medical attention. In addition to the injuries, emergency transportation, hospital fees, and rehabilitation costs are all examples of losses you can suffer due to someone else’s aggressive behavior on the road. 

Consider the following types of damages for which you can receive compensation with top-notch legal representation: 

  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost income or wages
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Hospital and treatment costs
  • Prescription medication
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy fees
  • Property damage
  • Punitive damages

Filing a car accident claim with an experienced New York lawyer allows you to hold the responsible party accountable for the damages you suffer. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the more time they have to conduct a thorough investigation and gather evidence on your behalf.

Talk with an Experienced New York Lawyer at Lever & Ecker, PLLC

Our Lever & Ecker, PLLC car accident lawyers have over 65 years of combined legal experience in New York City. When working with our team, you can focus on recovering your injuries instead of battling a legal case. We understand how challenging this time can be, and we will do everything in our power to provide you with the best possible outcome for your case. Trust our award-winning team to provide you with the representation you deserve. 

In order to schedule a free consultation, call (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632 and fill out our contact form today.

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