People living in cities across New York are likely aware at how congested and dangerous certain areas can be. With the number of residents, tourists and business people who flock to areas in Brooklyn, the Bronx and New York City every day, the likelihood of an accident remains too high. Drivers are often distracted or rushed, which can result in a serious car accident that involves other motorists and pedestrians.
According to recent data released by the NYPD, New York streets are proving to be particularly dangerous for pedestrians. Sources who analyzed the data from the NYPD found that more than 11,000 pedestrians were hurt in a car accident, while 3,844 cyclists were injured in a crash. Unfortunately, many of the motorists responsible for these collisions rarely faced criminal charges.
The borough with the highest number of crashes resulting in the fatality of a pedestrian or cyclists was Brooklyn. Manhattan had the second-highest number of injuries and fatalities, followed by Queens, the Bronx and Staten Island. Across these areas, 11,621 pedestrians and 3,844 cyclists were injured in motor vehicle accidents. These groups make up a significant portion of the roughly 15,000 total injuries reported. The rest of the injuries were suffered by motorists.
According to group that analyzed these statistics from the NYPD, the vast majority of the drivers involved in these crashes are not charged, unless they are drunk at the time of the crash. This can mean that negligent drivers may only face insignificant consequences for their behavior.
However, criminal charges are not the only way to hold reckless or dangerous motorists accountable for their actions. Victims of a car accident can file a claim against the driver for financial compensation. Depending on the extent of the injuries suffered, which can be substantial for pedestrians and cyclists, a driver may face hefty monetary penalties. Often times, victims can receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages.
Source: New York Post, B’kln mean streets
