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New N.Y.P.D. Car Collision Data Reflects Importance of What to Do in a Car Accident, from Robert A. Flaster P.C.

Industry: Legal Services

New N.Y.P.D. data reveals the most common causes behind NYC car accidents. Learn more about these findings and what drivers should do immediately after car accidents.

New York (PRUnderground) November 25th, 2013

New York City may be considered one of the safest cities in the world, but driving there—as with any city—comes with its fair share of risk. Recent data by the New York Police Department showed that almost 17,000 motor vehicle collisions occurred citywide in September 2013 alone, resulting in 26 fatalities and approximately 5,000 injuries. The N.Y.P.D. stated that motor vehicle accidents frequently occurred due to the following:

  1. Driver Inattention and Distraction (2,397 vehicles)
  2. Following Too Closely (1,094 vehicles)
  3. Failure to Yield the Right of Way (789 vehicles)
  4. Unsafe Lane Changes (484 vehicles)
  5. Backing Up Unsafely (476 vehicles)
  6. Turning Improperly (369 vehicles)
  7. Unsafe Driving Speed (284 vehicles)
  8. Other Uninvolved Vehicle (278 vehicles)
  9. Driver Inexperience (260 vehicles)
  10. Driver Disregarded Traffic Control (208 vehicles)

Because car accidents are a serious and commonplace occurrence in New York City, it is important to know what to do in the event you are involved in a car accident so you will be prepared to file an insurance or legal claim.

  • Important Steps to Take Immediately After a Car Accident
    In the event you do get into a car accident, we advise that you follow the following steps:
  • Take Deep Breaths & Check For Injuries: Although car accidents can create stressful situations, it is crucial to not panic and remain calm. Begin by taking multiple deep breaths to calm yourself down so that you remain composed while dealing with other drivers, witnesses and police. Next, check yourself and the other passengers for any injuries. If you or any of your passengers sustained any injuries, call 911 immediately to request medical attention.
  • Call Police For Assistance Either Inside Your Car or From Another Safe Place: Depending on where your accident occurred, either remain in your car to avoid oncoming traffic or leave your car to move to a safer place off the road at the scene of the accident. Call the police to inform them about the accident and to request an officer to show up at the scene of the accident, and make sure that the other driver remains at the scene.
  • Exchange Contact & Insurance Company Information with All Car Drivers Until Police Arrive: Obtaining driver contact and insurance company information is crucial since insurance companies and attorneys will require this information when investigating your accident. When talking with other car occupants, DO NOT disclose your insurance coverage limits or admit fault, as doing so can work against you in court or with how insurance companies handle your claim.
  • Exchange Contact Information with All Possible Witnesses: If you have sustained severe injuries, car damage or property damage, having contact information for third-party witnesses can provide invaluable testimony that supports your allegations. Attorneys will ask you about witnesses should you decide to pursue a legal claim against the other driver or drivers who caused your accident.
  • Take Photos of All Post-Accident Damage and of the Accident Site: Use your cell phone camera or another type of camera to take photographs of the damage to all cars or property involved in the accident, as well as photographs that reference road conditions, roadway debris and vehicle positions. Also take photographs of location identifiers such as nearby intersections, street signs, addresses or exit numbers, as well as photographs of driver insurance cars and license plates.
  • Contact Your Insurance Company Regarding the Accident, and a Towing Company if Necessary: Contact your insurance company representatives as soon as possible so that they can act on your claim immediately. Also contact your towing company to retrieve your vehicle once you have finished taking photographs and discussing your accident with police.
  • Exchange Information with Any Police Officers, Ambulance Companies or Firefighters, and Request All Official Public Reports Relating to the Accident: Request cards and badge numbers from all public officers and ambulatory personnel who arrive at the scene of your accident, and request copies of all official police reports and hospital reports for your records.

About Robert A. Flaster P.C.

Robert A. Flaster P.C. is a personal injury litigation firm that has been serving the New York City area for over 27 years. Led by attorneys Robert A. Flaster, Jonathan A. Fier and Joseph Gaba, Robert A. Flaster P.C. represents people who have sustained serious injuries in all types of accidents, including motor vehicle accidents, trip and fall cases, premises liability, construction accidents, products liability, police abuse cases, civil rights cases, dram shop cases, municipal liability and wrongful death cases. The firm stands by its belief in treating its clients as individuals and not as numbers or case files, and has the knowledge, skill, and track record of success necessary to assist its clients in receiving just compensation for their injuries, pain and suffering. Learn more about Robert A. Flaster P.C. at FlasterLaw.com

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