New York Car Accident Statistics, Figures, and Facts
While there is no way to completely eliminate a car accident, US, New York, and local officials track a wide array of statistics and trends in an effort to reduce them. You can appreciate the serious problem of traffic-related collisions when looking at data compiled by the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Motor vehicle crashes are the top cause of death for residents of the Empire State; plus, they rank #2 as the underlying cause for hospitalizations and #3 for injury-related visits to the emergency room. In its report, even the DOH notes that these incidents are NOT accidents: Car accidents are predictable and preventable, with careless driving to blame.
If you were hurt in a car accident because of another driver’s careless acts, you may qualify to recover compensation for your losses. A New York car accidents attorney can explain your legal remedies in more detail, but you are in a better position to protect yourself after reviewing some key figures on collisions.
Overview of Auto Crash Statistics in New York: Breaking down the DOH figures regarding car accidents reveals that there are, on average, almost 1,100 people killed in fatal traffic collisions every year. These incidents also send more than 12,000 victims to the hospital, while another 137,000 seek treatment in emergency departments after suffering injuries in an auto wreck.
A closer look at statistics in New York City is also informative. The New York Police Department (NYPD) reports approximately 228,000 traffic-related incidents annually, though this figure includes accidents involving bicycle riders and pedestrians. As far as accidents per borough, the proportions are:
- 29.5 percent of collisions occur in Queens;
- Brooklyn is second at 28.8 percent;
- 20 percent of citywide crashes happen in Manhattan;
- The Bronx falls fourth at 16.1 percent; and,
- Last is Staten Island at 5.7 percent.
Traffic Crash Facts Nationwide: Statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide a look at the bigger picture of car accidents across the country. With some good news, the CDC notes that fatalities have decreased more 31 percent from 2000-2013. However, every year more than 32,000 people are killed in fatal crashes and another 2 million victims suffer injuries. Other notable data and trends include:
Seat belt use is a key predictor of accident outcomes. Not buckling up contributes to almost 10,000 traffic collision fatalities annually.
In sum, Americans spend more than 1 million days in the hospital every year for injuries resulting from auto accidents.
A typical visit to the emergency room for car crash injuries costs approximately $3,300.
For traffic accident victims who are hospitalized after the incident, costs can top $57,000.
Common Causes Behind Motor Vehicle Accidents: The underlying reason for auto collisions is negligence, but the data also reveals some of the specific causes of crashes in New York and across the nation:
- Drunk driving contributes to more than 10,000 crash deaths every year in the US;
- Speeding is a factor in another 9,500 auto collision fatalities;
- Distracted driving, including texting and other cell phone use, claims the lives of 2,800 victims annually. Pedestrians and bicyclists are among these victims.
Trust Our New York Car Accident Lawyers to Pursue Your Legal Remedies
These statistics on auto collisions are disturbing, but you may gain some comfort from knowing that you have legal options as an injured victim. You can pursue the negligent driver to obtain monetary damages, and our team at The Mandel Law Firm is prepared to assist with the process. To schedule a no-cost consultation with one of our attorneys, please contact our Manhattan office at (646) 770-3868 or visit us online.