Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Queens, New York

The skilled car accident attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP advocate for victims of car accident injuries in Queens. Queens has a serious problem with car collisions. Recent data from the New York State Department of Health shows that every week:

• Approximately two people die as a result of traffic-related crashes
• Approximately 11 people are hospitalized because of automobile accident injuries
• Approximately 151 people are treated in an emergency department for injuries from automobile crashes

During 2014, a total of 85 people died, 585 people were hospitalized, and 7,874 people were treated in an emergency department in Queens because of vehicle accident injuries. Part of the problem with car accidents in Queens can be attributed to dangerous roads and intersections in the area. You are likely familiar with many of the following Queens roads and intersections, which see particularly high numbers of accidents each year:

• Woodhaven Boulevard
• Union Turnpike
• Northern Boulevard
• Queens Boulevard
• Jamaica Avenue
• Lefferts Boulevard
• Rockaway Boulevard
• Intersection of Rockaway Boulevard and Brookville Boulevard
• Intersection of 46th Avenue and Utopia Parkway
• Intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and 101st Avenue
• Intersection of 150th Road and Rockaway Boulevard
• Intersection of Farmer’s Boulevard and Rockaway Boulevard
• Intersection of 64th Avenue and 210th Street
• Intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Van Wyck Expressway
• Intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Queens Boulevard

Among these, the intersection of 46th Avenue and Utopia Parkway tends to see the most fatality accidents, while the intersection of Brookville Boulevard and Rockaway Boulevard usually has the most accidents overall. Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike are also almost always on the list of most dangerous roads and intersections every year because of the number of accidents on these roads. If you have been injured in an accident in one of these areas of Queens – or anywhere in Queens – contact the attorneys at Parker Waichman today to have your case reviewed by an experienced car accident attorney.

Characteristics of Dangerous Roads and Intersections

You might be wondering what makes a road “dangerous,” or what leads to higher numbers of accidents in a certain area. Several factors about a street or intersection determine how easily drivers can navigate them, including:

• Speed Limits
• Visibility
• Traffic Signals
• Traffic Volume
• Engineering

If speed limits and traffic volume are too high, visibility is low, and the road has little to no traffic signals, accidents are more likely to occur. Sharp curves in a road, poor engineering, and confusing road layouts can also lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles or making incorrect decisions while driving on the road. Call our firm today to discuss the details of your case if you were involved in a car accident in Queens. Our attorneys will review your case facts and determine the best options for you to move forward with your claims.

Nassau County Driver Negligence

Motor vehicle accidents are the fourth-leading cause of injury-related deaths in Queens County. The county’s accident figures (as compiled by the New York State Department of Health), undoubtedly can be attributed in part to the dangerous areas of Queens, but driver negligence also plays a large role. Careless drivers end up causing a great number of accidents in Queens.

Some of the most common acts of driver negligence that lead to car accidents in Queens are:

• Speeding
• Reckless driving, like weaving in and out of traffic
• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving, including cell phone use, eating, reading, etc.
• Drowsy driving or driving while overly tired
• Failure to properly maintain a vehicle
• Failure to obey or observe traffic laws/signals

Drunk drivers and distracted drivers end up causing the majority of accidents because their judgment is impaired, or they are driving with their attention away from the road. Many people overestimate their abilities to drive after consuming a couple of drinks and underestimate the amount of time it takes to type a text message. Injuries from these types of collisions also tend to be more severe than other car accidents. Our firm helps injured people hold the negligent drivers accountable and will pursue damages for all of the ways our clients have been harmed.

Statute of Limitations Considerations

At the beginning of any case investigation, you have to consider the statute of limitations that applies to the case. Statutes of limitations are time limits on the filing of all claims. They differ from state to state and based on the type of claim and the damages suffered by the victim. If the deadline for filing passes and you have not filed your case in court, you will likely never be able to file it. In New York, including Queens, the statute of limitations for filing car accident cases in court is generally three years.

However, many factors can change this deadline for your individual claim. Additionally, the state’s three-year statute of limitations does not apply to any claims submitted pursuant to New York’s No-Fault Law. No-Fault claims (submitted to your own insurance) typically have much shorter deadlines. To be sure you are working under the correct filing deadline and can timely file your claims, you need to hire a skilled car accident attorney. Parker Waichman’s lawyers know New York law and can explain how the statute of limitations should be calculated in your Queens car accident case.

We will thoroughly investigate your case to ensure your rights are protected and all deadlines are met. Because of the enormous consequences of untimely filing, you should not delay in hiring a lawyer to review your car accident case. Contact Parker Waichman’s Queens attorneys today.