The Most Common Types of Accidents in NYC
By Ross Cellino
With millions of people sharing crowded streets and public spaces in NYC, accidents can happen in many different ways. A routine commute, walk, or day at work can result in an unexpected injury.
Knowing which accidents are common, what may cause them, and what to do afterward can help you protect yourself. If you were injured because of another person’s actions, schedule a free case evaluation online or call us at 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our team.
Key Takeaways About Accidents in NYC
- Car, pedestrian, bicycle, and rideshare crashes are common types of traffic accidents in New York City.
- E-bike and scooter accidents may involve drivers, pedestrians, delivery companies, property owners, or other riders.
- Trip and fall accidents can happen because of broken sidewalks, spills, poor lighting, or unsafe stairs.
- Construction activity can create risks for workers, pedestrians, and people living near a worksite.
- Evidence can disappear quickly, so it’s important to document the scene and seek legal guidance as soon as possible.
Car Accidents
Car accidents are a serious risk on roads throughout all five boroughs. Crashes can happen at busy intersections, on highways, near construction zones, or along crowded neighborhood streets.
Common causes include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Failure to yield
- Unsafe lane changes
- Following another vehicle too closely
- Driving while impaired
New York follows a no-fault insurance system. This generally allows people injured in motor vehicle accidents to seek coverage for certain medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who caused the crash. However, strict deadlines apply. In most cases, written notice of a no-fault claim must be submitted within 30 days of the accident.
Pedestrian Accidents
Walking is part of daily life for many New Yorkers. However, pedestrians have little protection when they’re struck by a car, truck, bus, bicycle, or another vehicle.
Pedestrian accidents may happen when a driver:
- Fails to yield at a crosswalk
- Turns without checking for people crossing
- Runs a red light or stop sign
- Speeds through an intersection
New York City’s Vision Zero program focuses on reducing serious traffic injuries and deaths through safer street design, enforcement, and public education. Even with these efforts, pedestrians should remain alert around intersections, bike lanes, driveways, and parked vehicles.
Bicycle Accidents
Bicyclists face many risks while traveling throughout New York City. Riders may also be injured when someone opens a parked vehicle door into a bike lane. These are often called “dooring” accidents.
Other common causes include:
- Drivers turning without checking bike lanes
- Vehicles blocking designated bike lanes
- Potholes or damaged pavement
- Poorly marked intersections
- Drivers passing cyclists too closely
Bicycle accidents are a continuing concern across NYC, especially in areas with heavy traffic and limited bike infrastructure. The New York City Department of Transportation tracks crash data to identify problem areas and guide safety improvements.
E-Bike and Scooter Accidents
Now that e-bikes and scooters are more common throughout the city, more riders are using them to commute, make deliveries, and get around quickly. Their growing use has also led to more accidents.
These accidents may result from:
- Speeding
- Poor visibility
- Defective equipment
- Potholes or other roadway hazards
- Drivers failing to yield or share the road safely
NYC currently limits e-bikes, e-scooters, and pedal-assist bicycles to 15 miles per hour, but crashes still occur. Determining fault after these accidents can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances, a claim may involve a driver, another rider, a delivery company, a product manufacturer, or the party responsible for maintaining the roadway.
Rideshare Accidents
Rideshare accidents may involve vehicles operating through services such as Uber or Lyft. These crashes can be more complicated than other car accidents because multiple insurance policies may apply.
Coverage may depend on whether the driver was waiting for a ride request, traveling to pick up a passenger, or completing a trip. New York City requires rideshare drivers and vehicles to be licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission. TLC-licensed vehicles must meet insurance, inspection, and driver qualification requirements. Determining which policy applies may require a careful review of the driver’s status and the circumstances of the crash.
Trip and Fall Accidents
Trip and fall accidents can occur on sidewalks, inside stores, in apartment buildings, at subway stations, or on other properties throughout NYC. These cases often depend on whether the responsible party knew, or should have known, about a dangerous condition.
Common hazards include:
- Broken or uneven sidewalks
- Loose flooring or torn carpeting
- Wet or slippery surfaces
- Poor lighting
- Damaged stairs or handrails
- Snow, ice, or debris
In many cases, property owners are responsible for keeping their property reasonably safe. They may also be responsible for maintaining the sidewalks next to their buildings. However, responsibility can depend on where the accident happened, what caused the hazard, and how long it had been there.
Construction Accidents
Construction is common throughout NYC, and unsafe worksites can place both workers and the public at risk.
Construction accidents may involve:
- Falls from ladders, roofs, or scaffolds
- Falling tools or building materials
- Unsafe machinery
- Electrical hazards
- Collapsing structures
- Debris or blocked walkways
New York City requires certain worksite incidents involving injuries or fatalities to be reported to the Department of Buildings. Construction accident claims may involve workers’ compensation as well as separate claims against property owners, contractors, or other parties.
What Should You Do After an Accident in NYC?
After an accident, your health comes first. Call 911 if emergency help is needed, and seek medical treatment even if your injuries do not seem serious right away. Some injuries take time to become noticeable.
When possible, you should also:
- Take photos of the accident scene, hazards, vehicles, and visible injuries
- Collect contact and insurance information from those involved
- Ask witnesses for their names and contact information
- Report the accident to the police and to the property owner or employer
- Keep copies of medical records, bills, receipts, and proof of missed work
- Avoid giving a recorded statement before understanding your rights
Most personal injury cases in New York must be filed within three years, but much shorter deadlines can apply to claims involving the city or another government agency. Speaking with a personal injury attorney early can help preserve important evidence and prevent you from missing a deadline.
Speak With a New York City Personal Injury Lawyer
After an accident, you may be left dealing with medical bills, missed work, ongoing pain, and questions about what to do next. Managing an insurance claim while trying to recover can make an already difficult situation even more stressful. Cellino Law Injury Attorneys can investigate what happened, determine who may be responsible, and explain the legal options available to you. To learn how we may be able to help, schedule a free case evaluation online or call us at 888-888-8888 to speak with a member of our team.
Content checked by the personal injury attorney Ross Cellino
Ross Cellino
As a family man and a trial attorney, I pride myself on winning cases and serving the community. With over 35 years of experience, I understand the function of a jury, how juries arrive at conclusions, and the role that the jury plays in administering justice. I know how to win cases. You can find us in Manhattan, Buffalo, Melville, Rochester, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens and other locations throughout New York.
