Car Accidents During Rush Hour in New York

Rush hour is the part of the day when roads are busiest, usually in the morning from 7:00 to 9:00 a.m. and in the evening from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Many people commute to or from work during these hours, which means the streets are crowded with rushed, frustrated, and aggressive drivers who are likely to make dangerous mistakes that cause traffic accidents.

If you’re hurt in a rush hour car accident, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your medical bills, the income you lost if you couldn’t work, and the pain and suffering you’ve had to endure. The highly experienced attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. can help you demand this money. We can explain your rights, deal with insurance providers on your behalf, and negotiate aggressively for every cent you’re owed.

Rush Hour Car Accident Statistics

Rush hour traffic significantly impacts road safety, particularly on the roads leading to New York’s dense urban areas. Here are some eye-opening rush hour accident statistics from a recent meta-analysis encompassing seven studies of traffic patterns with a substantial effective sample size of 220,471 incidents:

There was a 31 to 41 percent increase in the risk of fatal and non-fatal car accident injuries during rush hour.
The morning rush hour is associated with a 40 percent increased risk of crash injury, while the afternoon rush hour shows a 27 percent increase.
Comparatively, the morning rush hour presents a 13 percent higher risk of fatal and non-fatal crash events than the evening period.
Precipitation during rush hours significantly escalates the risk of fatal crash injuries.
Teen drivers face significantly higher odds of severe injury during rush hour periods.
Aggressive driving during rush hours is linked to higher odds of fatal and non-fatal crash injuries.
Rush hour periods see a notable increase in fatal injuries among unrestrained children.

Do Car Accidents Increase During Rush Hour?

Yes, research suggests that the risk of car accidents increases considerably during rush hour. This is primarily because more vehicles are on the road as people commute to and from work.

Increased rush hour traffic leads to congestion, which can cause frustration and impatience among drivers. As a result, drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding, abrupt lane changes, and failure to maintain safe distances from other vehicles. Drivers in stop-and-go traffic might also engage in more distracted driving.

Additionally, large trucks and bicycles during these times add to the complexity of driving conditions. Morning rush hour tends to be slightly more dangerous than evening rush hour, possibly due to lower visibility, less alert drivers after waking up, and teens driving to school.

Common Types of Car Accidents During Rush Hour

Rush hour, with its heavy traffic and hurried drivers, is a prime time for many types of car accidents, including:

Fender Benders: These are minor accidents often caused by distractions or sudden braking in congested traffic scenarios.
Pedestrian Accidents: These are more likely during rush hours as more pedestrians are on the streets, either walking to their destinations or waiting for public transit.
Rear-End Collisions: These happen when one car hits the back of another. They often occur because drivers follow too closely and can’t react quickly enough to stop in heavy traffic. Distracted driving is a common factor in rear-end collisions.
Side-Impact Crashes: Also known as T-bone accidents, these mainly occur at intersections, usually when a driver fails to stop at a traffic light or doesn’t yield the right-of-way to other vehicles.
Sideswipe Accidents: These commonly occur when drivers change lanes without signaling or checking for nearby vehicles.

What To Do After a Rush Hour Car Accident

If you’ve been involved in a car accident during rush hour, you can take certain steps afterward to ensure your well-being and protect your rights. Here’s what car accident victims should do:

Collect and preserve evidence, such as photographs of your injuries and the car accident scene.
Seek medical attention immediately and follow your doctor’s orders.
Report the accident to your insurance company.
Follow up with any recommended medical specialists for your injuries.
Start a detailed record of all medical treatments and expenses.
Document any time you miss from work and any resulting income losses.
Request a copy of the police accident report.
Keep a journal documenting your recovery and how the injuries impact your daily life.
Avoid discussing the accident details on social media.
Never accept any settlement offers without consulting your lawyer.
Contact a rush-hour accident lawyer in New York as soon as possible so they can begin preparing a personal injury claim.

Compensation Available in New York Rush Hour Auto Accident Cases

If you suffer injuries in a rush hour car accident in New York, you could recover compensation to help you recover the financial costs of the crash and manage the aftermath of the accident. Here are the various types of damages you could pursue compensation for in your car accident case:

Incidental Costs: This covers various out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident, such as travel costs you incur from going to medical appointments.
Loss of Future Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, this covers the potential income you would otherwise have earned in the future.
Lost Wages: You can recover compensation for any income you lose while you can’t work due to accident-related injuries.
Medical Expenses: This covers all hospital bills and medication costs for your car crash injuries. It also includes compensation for any ongoing and future medical treatments you might need.
Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain and emotional distress you experience as a result of the accident.

Talk to an Experienced Rush Hour Accident Lawyer in New York City, NY Today

Don’t let the aftermath of an accident overwhelm you. Reach out to Finz & Finz, P.C. immediately, and take the first step toward getting the support you need. We’ve handled many car accident cases and recovered millions for victims of serious car crashes.

Our experienced team is just a phone call away. Contact us now for your free initial case evaluation.