Car accidents can be a frightening and traumatic experience. Unfortunately, they can happen just about anywhere as a result of negligence. At the same time, there isn’t an exact science that can predict or prevent car accidents from occurring; identifying where most car accidents occur can help you reduce the risks. If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car accident, it’s in your best interest to contact a trusted New York City Car Accident Lawyer who can help you seek reasonable compensation for your economic and non-economic damages. Please continue reading to learn the most common places where car accidents occur in New York.
Where do most car accidents happen in New York?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), most car accidents happen within five miles of an accident victim’s home. Research also shows that most fatal accidents occur within 25 miles of the victim’s home. This may not come as a surprise as this area is where you drive the most. The more time you spend on the roads, the higher the likelihood of being involved in a collision.
Another common place where drivers are more vulnerable to car accidents is at intersections. Intersections have at least two separate pathways for vehicles to navigate, often intertwining with each other from the opposite direction. When a motorist is confused about who has the right-of-way, it can be a recipe for disaster. Stop signs are also a common place where auto accidents occur, as drivers often do not see stop signs until it’s too late. When a driver is not paying close enough attention to the road, it can result in devastating crashes.
Furthermore, accidents are also more likely to occur while navigating parking lots and garages. Parking lots are often a free-for-all, as numerous vehicles are vying for limited parking spaces in this compact area. As such, maneuvering through these sites with a chaotic nature during busy hours can lead to severe accidents. Drivers often let their guards down when navigating parking lots and garages. However, drivers are still expected to drive slowly and remain vigilant to prevent accidents.
How long do I have to pursue legal action after an auto accident?
In the unfortunate event that you are injured in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, you are legally entitled to pursue legal action to collect monetary compensation for your damages. However, you must file your claim within the strict legal deadline, or you will face the absolute bar of recovery. In New York, injured parties have three years from the accident date to file a claim against the at-fault party.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact a determined lawyer from the Law Offices of Brian J. Elbaum, who can help ensure that you file your claim within the suitable timeframe to avoid accidentally relinquishing your right to compensation.