There’s no doubt that New York City is overcrowded, with more than 8.5 million people living within an area of approximately 300 square miles. With this kind of population, the roads are constantly congested and full of people – in their cars and on foot. It’s not easy to navigate New York streets – which is part of the reason why New York is a no-fault insurance state – but drivers and pedestrians can still be held accountable for damages caused by accidents.
Intersection Accidents and Right-of-way Rules
Most traffic accidents occur at intersections in NYC. However, determining who had right of way in an intersection can be a difficult process. While traffic lights and other symbols on the road can help determine right of way, they are not the only factors drivers and pedestrians need to know. Traffic signs, signals and pavement markings do not always resolve traffic conflicts.
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) uses the example, “a green light does not resolve the conflict of when a car turns left at an intersection while an approaching car goes straight through the intersection.” In other words, knowing right-of-way rules can help resolve these kinds of conflicts; they tell you who goes first and who must wait in different conditions regardless of traffic lights and markings on the road.
Most Common Intersection Accidents
Intersections are known for a variety of accidents, including pedestrian accidents, broadside crashes, rear-end crashes, collisions between vehicles and bicycles and motorcycle accidents. These types of accidents occur at street intersections for many reasons, ranging from negligence by pedestrians to unaware drivers. Many of these accidents occur because the driver chose to operate their vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; other drivers are distracted by their phones while driving.
Also, one of the most common causes of intersection accidents is when drivers fail to yield the right of way to pedestrians walking in crosswalks. According to the DMV, “the law requires motorists come to a complete stop at crosswalks and yield the right of way to pedestrians.”
Dangerous Intersections in New York
According to Curbed New York, “In Manhattan, the top five most dangerous intersections are Canal and Mott Street, followed by East 96th Street and Third Avenue, Lafayette Street and Canal Street, East 30th Street and Third Avenue and East 62nd Street and First Avenue.”
And, from Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn to Linden Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue in Queens, every borough throughout NYC has a handful of dangerous intersections where accidents – involving pedestrians and automobiles – happen almost daily. Smart drivers and pedestrians try to avoid these areas, but it’s not always possible.
When involved in an accident at any one of these intersections, your best course of action is to contact a knowledgeable attorney with experience, as they have probably already handled other accidents at these exact spots.
Dealing with an Intersection Accident in NYC
Accidents at intersections can cause serious injury. After an accident, and after receiving medical attention, contact a legal team for guidance in the next steps. The lawyers at Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier have been helping clients in accident injury cases for decades.
Our knowledgeable and aggressive lawyers are ready to provide New York’s injured with the type of legal representation that only a leading and experienced New York City law firm who is dedicated to personal injury and accident cases can provide. Experience counts inside a New York courtroom and our New York personal injury lawyers have more than 26 years of representing accident/injury cases. Let our accident lawyers and our courtroom experience help you with your specific New York personal injury case.
Contact us today to get a free consultation. Call Hoffmaier & Hoffmaier today at (212) 777-9400.
