Most Dangerous Intersections in New York

Navigating the busy streets of New York City can be a daunting task, especially when approaching some of the most treacherous intersections in the five boroughs. These intersections, characterized by high traffic volumes, complex road configurations, and sometimes inadequate infrastructure, pose significant risks to motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. The inherent dangers of these intersections are underscored by the frequency of accidents. With vehicles jostling for space and attempting to navigate through crowded lanes, rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, sideswipes, and T-bone accidents are all too common. In each of these intersections, over 100 accidents occur each year.

Such accidents can lead to a variety of serious injuries, ranging from whiplash and soft tissue damage to broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. For instance, a pedestrian attempting to cross at a poorly marked crosswalk may be struck by a speeding vehicle, resulting in catastrophic injuries such as spinal cord damage or permanent paralysis. Similarly, a motorist making a left turn at a busy intersection may fail to yield to oncoming traffic, causing a violent collision that leaves occupants with life-altering injuries. If you or someone you know were injured in a car accident in New York, you have the right to pursue compensation form the at-fault person. Contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer at Stephen Bilkis & Associates.

The following 5 intersections have been deemed the most dangerous due to the high number of accidents that occur in each of them every year.

A few years ago the media reported that a New Jersey man died in a motorcycle crash when a woman turned her Ford Edge onto Tillary Street from the Manhattan Bridge's Flatbush Avenue Extension. The motorcyclist collided with the SUV's passenger side door around 8 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the Brooklyn Hospital Center. The SUV's driver and another adult woman in the vehicle sustained minor injuries and were treated at the hospital. If only this was an unusual occurrence. Scenarios like this occur not once every few years, but time and time again every year at Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue.

The intersection of Tillary Street and Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn stands out as the most dangerous intersection in New York. On average each year there are about 180 accidents. Factors contributing to the high number of accidents include its proximity to the on-ramp of the Manhattan Bridge, access to the Brooklyn Bridge, and the off-ramp for the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway.

Based on accident reports, the second most dangerous intersection in New York City is in Manhattan where 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street converge. Each year, 140-150 accidents occur at that intersection. There are almost 3 accidents a week. According to the New York Department of Transportation, approximately 145,000 vehicles cross the Queensboro Bridge each year. Many of those vehicles will travel through the intersection of 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street, making for an extremely busy intersection.

In one case, Cesar Velazquez v. Clark Gettinger, No. 108136/11, Cesar Velazquez was hit by a car at 2nd Avenue and East 59th Street in Manhattan. The driver, Clark Gettinger, made a left turn, striking Velazquez in a crosswalk. Velazquez suffered knee injuries, including a torn meniscus and a knee fracture, requiring multiple surgeries and extensive physical therapy. He claimed that he had permanent pain and disability and was unable to work. Velazquez sued Gettinger, alleging negligence. Summary judgment favored Velazquez, leading to a $3 million settlement.

There are approximately 140 accidents each year at the intersection of 42nd Street and 8th Avenue. One explanation for the high number of accidents is due to its close proximity to three subway entrances, Time Square, as well as the Port Authority Bus Terminal. As a result, there is extreme congestion that includes vehicles as well as pedestrians.

“Hit-and-run driver kills senior at dangerous Brooklyn block” was the headline of a media report about an accident that claimed the life of a 62-year old pedestrian. The accident occurred at Linden Boulevard and Pennsylvania Avenue. Each year approximately 130-140 accidents occur at this busy intersection. One of the reasons that Linden Boulevard is so busy is that it is used to drive from Brooklyn to the airport as well as to Long Island. In addition, there are a number of commercial properties near that intersection as well as residential buildings, resulting in a lot of pedestrian traffic.

Each year approximately 130 collisions happen at this busy intersection. Because of the seemly constant flow of bumper-to-bumper stop-and-go traffic, many of the accidents that occur in this area are rear-end collisions. Sadly, there have been so many car accidents on Atlantic Avenue, including accidents involving pedestrians, that it has been referred to as the Brooklyn’s “Boulevard of Death.”

When it comes to intersection that have a high rate of accidents, a common factors include congestion and high number of pedestrians. However at these intersections, accidents are caused by a number of factors including distracted driving, drunk driving, U-turn attempts, speeding, and failure to stop a red lights. When it comes to accidents involved pedestrians, they are commonly caused by drivers failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks as required by New York law. Regardless of the cause of the accident, if you were seriously injured because of the negligence of another person, contact an experienced New York car accident lawyer who can help you seek justice.

Car accidents can inflict a range of injuries, varying in severity from minor bruises to life-altering conditions. Among the most common car accident injuries are whiplash, concussions, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and soft tissue injuries. Whiplash, often resulting from the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision, can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Concussions, caused by the forceful impact of the head against a surface, may result in symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and memory loss.

Broken bones are prevalent in car accidents, with fractures to the arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis frequently occurring due to the immense force exerted on the body upon impact. Spinal cord injuries, though less common, can have catastrophic consequences, potentially causing paralysis or loss of sensation below the site of injury. Soft tissue injuries, including strains, sprains, and contusions, affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

In the aftermath of a car accident, victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and associated damages. Potential compensation may cover medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation costs. Lost wages resulting from time taken off work to recover from injuries may also be recoverable, ensuring financial stability for victims during their recuperation. Additionally, compensation for pain and suffering, encompassing physical discomfort, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life, may be pursued to address the intangible toll inflicted by the accident. In some instances, where the actions of the negligent party were particularly egregious, victims may recover punitive damages.

If injured in a car accident in New York, taking immediate steps to protect one's well-being and legal rights is paramount. First and foremost, seek medical attention promptly, even if injuries appear minor or non-existent initially. Delaying medical evaluation can exacerbate underlying injuries and complicate subsequent claims for compensation.

Additionally, contact law enforcement to report the accident and ensure the creation of an official record of the incident. Obtain contact information from all parties involved in the accident, including drivers, passengers, and witnesses, to facilitate communication and gather evidence for potential legal proceedings. Document the scene of the accident by taking photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries sustained.

It is advisable to refrain from discussing fault or liability with other parties involved in the accident, as statements made at the scene may be misconstrued or used against you in legal proceedings. Finally, notify your insurance provider of the accident to initiate the claims process and begin the documentation of damages incurred.

By taking prompt and proactive measures following a car accident, victims can safeguard their health and rights while laying the groundwork for pursuing compensation with the help of an experienced car accident attorney in New York. Seeking medical treatment, reporting the accident, gathering evidence, and notifying relevant parties are important steps in navigating the aftermath of a car accident in New York and securing the support needed to recover and move forward.

If you've sustained serious injuries, you may not be physically able to do anything but focus on your recovery. However, delaying action for too long can pose challenges and jeopardize your ability to recover damages. As time elapses, gathering evidence becomes more challenging. Furthermore, in New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is only 3 years. If a defendant is the City of New York or any other governmental entity, the window is even narrower. You have less time to initiate the process by filing a Notice of Claim. It’s critical that you or someone on your behalf contact an experienced car accident attorney in New York as quickly as possible.

Car accidents in New York occur far too often, leaving victims and their families facing long-recovery times, inability to work, and financial crises. If you or someone you care about was seriously injured in a car accident in New York, you have the right to hold the negligent driver or owner of the vehicle accountable by filing a personal injury lawsuit. If you were injured in a car accident, contact an experienced car accident attorney serving New York at Stephen Bilkis & Associates, with decades of experience successfully helping victims recover millions in damages, we have knowledge and resources to help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. Contact Stephen Bilkis & Associates today at 800.696.9529 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your car accident. We represent clients in the following locations: Nassau County, Queens, Manhattan, Long Island, Brooklyn, Suffolk County, Westchester County, Staten Island, and Bronx.