Where Do Car Accidents Most Occur On Long Island?

Being involved in a car accident is an overwhelming experience. In addition, victims of car accidents often deal with severe injuries, property damage, or the loss of loved ones. Understanding where most accidents occur can enhance your safety.

Most car accidents on Long Island happen near the victim’s home, including in neighborhoods and rural roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, most fatal crashes occur within 25 miles of a victim’s house at a speed of less than 40mph.

The prevalence of car accidents is also high at intersections and parking lots. Drivers should take safety precautions, including wearing safety belts, irrespective of the destination, to minimize the risk of crash-related injuries.

If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a crash caused by someone else, discussing your case with a trusted car accident attorney on Long Island is one way to learn about your rights and the next steps.

Understanding Where and Why Collisions Occur

Here are potential localities where you’re likely to be involved in a crash:

Near Home

NHTSA estimates that 52% of non-fatal crashes occur within 5 miles, and 77% occur within 15 miles. The increased risk of accidents near homes is due to familiarity and repetition, which can cause drivers to lose focus behind the wheel.

Streets closer to home become more dangerous as drivers lose focus and get distracted by familiar faces and surroundings. Drivers returning home after drinking at a local pub may also contribute to the increased prevalence of crashes.

Rural Areas

Although most accidents on Long Island occur in urban areas, driving on more rural roads is challenging. Rural roads have a lower density of vehicles, which often encourages drivers to speed, increasing the risk of accidents.

The limited availability of emergency services in rural areas can result in more severe injuries. Although 20% of people live in rural areas and 32% of vehicle miles occur in rural areas, 41% of crash fatalities occur there.

Parking Lots

With numerous vehicles in a small area, occupants are susceptible to car accidents in parking lots. Most accidents involve one vehicle hitting a stationary object or car. Even so, some involve moving vehicles.

Most parking lot accidents cause minor damages; however, this is not always true. Sometimes, significant injuries can occur when pedestrians are involved.

Intersections

Intersections are busy areas with a single confused or distracted driver likely to trigger a chain of accidents. Sometimes, drivers speed through the intersection at a red light, which requires drivers to slow down at a stop.

Other causes of car accidents at stop lights and intersections are:

• Braking aggressively or failing to slow down at an intersection, leading to a rear-end collision
• Making turns without slowing to create time and space for a safe maneuver
• Failure to yield to motorists, passengers, and cyclists with a right of way

Safety on the Most Dangerous Places on Long Island

Safe driving protects you, your passengers, and other road users. Further, a driver with a clean driving record can obtain auto insurance at an affordable rate. As an experienced driver, you should enhance your road safety knowledge.

Here are a few safety tips to keep you safe in the most dangerous places on Long Island:

• Observe speed limits
• Do not drink and drive
• Remind all vehicle occupants to wear a seat belt
• Maintain your vehicle in a roadworthy condition
• Don’t text, call, or read your emails while driving
• Observe a safe following distance by adhering to the three-second rule
• Stay alert of your surroundings
• Avoid dangerous driving habits like tailgating, speeding, and changing lanes too quickly.
• Don’t overtake at an intersection, over a pedestrian crossing, or on a continuous white line.

What if You Are in a Car Accident?

You may be entitled to compensation if injured in a car accident that is someone else’s fault. Establishing fault after a car accident is crucial in assigning liability and identifying the party responsible for the damages.

Therefore, your steps after a car accident can protect your right to compensation and enhance your safety.

Take the following steps if involved in a car accident:

• Move yourself and the vehicle to the side of the road if it is safe to do so
• Contact 911 or an ambulance if someone has sustained injuries
• Contact a law enforcement officer to notify them about the accident
• Gather Information: When involved in an accident caused by someone else’s fault, gather accident-related information. Some key details to compile include contact details of responding police, license plate numbers of other parties involved in the crash, and names of eyewitnesses involved in the accident.
• Seek medical attention if injured during the crash
• Notify your insurance provider about the collision: Your insurer can cover accident-related losses if the other motorist has no insurance or has insufficient coverage.
• Get in touch with a car accident attorney: While many car accident victims obtain compensation from the at-fault party, working with an attorney enhances your chances of obtaining a fair settlement value for your losses.

Talk to an Experienced NY Car Accident Attorney About Your Crash for Free

The Barnes Firm provides a free case evaluation for car accident victims hurt in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Long Island, Los Angeles, New York City, Oakland, Queens, Rochester, San Diego, and San Francisco.

As a contingency fee-based firm, we never ask injured victims to pay upfront. Our motto is No Fee, Unless You Get Paid. Contact us online or at (800) 800-0000 for a free case evaluation.

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Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
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