Car accidents can be life-changing, and if you have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a Staten Island car accident lawyer at Sgarlato & Sgarlato for a free consultation at (718) 273-7900.
We understand the financial burden that can follow a serious accident, and we are committed to securing the maximum settlement or award possible for our clients. Don't hesitate to contact our Staten Island law office to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We're here to help.
Staten Island Car Accident Statistics
According to data from SIlive in 2023, On Staten Island, there were 13 total traffic fatalities in 2022, a decrease of one from the 14 recorded in 2021, according to recent numbers.
While the 13 traffic deaths in 2022 represent a slight decrease from the year prior, the number remains nearly twice as high as the seven recorded in 2018, when the number of Staten Island traffic deaths reached its lowest point in recent history.
In 2015, the borough saw 25 traffic deaths. Of those deaths, 11 were motor vehicle occupants, 11 were pedestrians, two were motorcyclists and one was a bicyclist.
In 2016, that number dropped to 17 roadway fatalities, including seven motor vehicle occupants, seven pedestrians, two motorcyclists and one bicyclist.
The number fell again in 2017, with 15 deaths on Staten Island streets, including six motor vehicle occupants, five pedestrians and four motorcyclists.
In 2018, traffic fatalities in the borough fell to their lowest point in recent history with just seven deaths, including two motor vehicles occupants, four pedestrians and one motorcyclist. However, after that point, the number of people killed on Staten Island streets began to creep back up.
In 2019, the number of traffic fatalities increased to eight, two of which were motor vehicle occupants, five of which were pedestrians and one of which was a bicyclist.
That number rose again in 2020, with 11 people losing their lives in a traffic crash, including four motor vehicle occupants, five pedestrians, one motorcyclists and one bicyclist.
It increased once more in 2021, with 14 total traffic fatalities, including five motor vehicle occupants, six pedestrians, two motorcyclists and one other motorized death.
Other motorized deaths include e-bikes without pedals (i.e. illegal mopeds), e-scooters and other e-devices like hoverboards, skateboards and Segways, according to the DOT.
Like the citywide numbers, Staten Island’s traffic fatalities dropped in 2022 for the first time since 2018, with 13 total traffic fatalities, including five motor vehicle occupants, seven pedestrians and one motorcyclist.
Where Do Most Car Accidents in Staten Island Happen?
Accidents can happen to even the most cautious drivers in Staten Island due to the unpredictable behavior of other drivers on the road. However, by knowing the locations where accidents occur most frequently, you may be able to reduce your risk of getting into an accident. Here are some tips on where accidents tend to happen most frequently in Staten Island and what to do about them. The most dangerous intersections in Staten Island are:
Crystal Ave & Forest Ave
Victory Blvd & Jewett Ave
Van Pelt Ave & Netherland Ave
Richmond Ave & Morani St
Westwood Ave & Todt Hill Rd
Todt Hill Rd & Ocean Terrace
Steuben St & W Fingerboard Rd
Tompkins Ave. & Vanderbilt Ave
Victory Blvd & Montgomery Ave
It's not just motorists and their passengers who are at risk at these intersections. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also at high risk of collisions at these locations. Therefore, extra care should be taken when approaching or navigating through these areas.
You Deserve an Experienced Staten Island Car Accident Lawyer
Experiencing an unexpected accident can be a traumatic event that can take months or even years to fully recover from. The injuries sustained can be painful and may impact your life for a long time. Pursuing compensation for your car accident injury is critical, and it is essential to work with a law firm that specializes in personal injury law. At Sgarlato & Sgarlato, that is our sole focus.
We have successfully helped more than 20,000 accident victims fight for the compensation they deserve. Our dedication and hard work have led to more than $1 billion in settlements and awards. Our reputation for being one of the most respected personal injury attorneys in Staten Island speaks for itself.
When you seek our help after an Staten Island auto accident, you can benefit from our experience and established record of success. Contact a Staten Island car accident lawyer at Sgarlato & Sgarlato today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
Who’s Responsible For My Injuries After a Staten Island Car Accident?
Recovering compensation after a car accident involves navigating the state’s no-fault insurance and comparative negligence rules. Understanding these rules can help you obtain the money you need to recover from your injuries.
Staten Island’s No-Fault Insurance Rules
Staten Island requires all vehicle owners to have auto insurance coverage. Under the state’s no-fault insurance rules, you must seek compensation from your own insurer after an accident, regardless of who is responsible. However, insurance companies may try to minimize the value of your claim, or even deny it.
Hiring an experienced Staten Island personal injury lawyer like Sgarlato & Sgarlato can help you level the playing field. Our skilled trial attorneys can counter insurance companies’ manipulative tactics and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Staten Island is a Comparative Fault State
Under Staten Island’s comparative fault rules, anyone who contributes to a car accident can be held liable for resulting injuries. You can file a lawsuit to recover compensation from negligent drivers, truck drivers, bus drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists, pedestrians, employers, and even government agencies.
Our team of car accident lawyers at Sgarlato & Sgarlato is available to help you navigate these complex rules and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us anytime, 24/7, for a free consultation.
What Causes Car Accidents in Staten Island?
Car accidents happen frequently in Staten Island, and there are several factors that contribute to them. The most common causes include:
DISTRACTED DRIVING: Drivers who are distracted while driving are more likely to cause an accident. In fact, 32 percent of all crashes in the city are caused by distracted drivers.
DRUNK DRIVING: Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a leading cause of injury-causing and fatal accidents in the city. According to the CDC, approximately 28 percent of all fatal motor vehicle accidents involve a drunk driver.
FATIGUED DRIVING: Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence. Driving after being awake for 18 hours is equivalent to driving with a BAC of .05 percent. Driving after being awake for 24 hours is equivalent to driving with a BAC of .10 percent, which is above the legal limit.
AGGRESSIVE DRIVING: Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way, contribute to thousands of accidents every year in Staten Island.
WEATHER CONDITIONS: Weather conditions can make roads unsafe, making it difficult to navigate a vehicle safely and see others on the road.
DEFECTIVE VEHICLES: Even careful drivers can be involved in accidents if there are defects in their vehicles or safety equipment. The companies responsible for these defects can be held liable for resulting injuries.
HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS: The government agencies responsible for providing safe roads in Staten Island State and the five boroughs have a responsibility to address hazardous conditions. Potholes, failing traffic signals, obstructed signs, or debris left unattended can cause serious accidents.
We’ll Help You Demand Money For All of Your Car Accident Injuries
At Sgarlato & Sgarlato, we believe that every car accident injury is significant, regardless of how severe it may seem. We're committed to helping our clients recover compensation for all types of injuries, from broken bones to traumatic brain injuries.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers understand how overwhelming an injury can be, both physically and financially. That's why we'll work tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. Some of the injuries we can help you recover compensation for include:
Amputation
Back injury
Burns
Concussion
Neck injury
Paralysis
Spinal cord damage
Whiplash
Wrongful death
And more
Whether your injury is catastrophic or relatively minor, we're here to help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case, and we're available to meet with you at a location that's convenient for you. Don't wait to get the help you need. Contact Sgarlato & Sgarlato today.
What If I’m Blamed For My Car Accident?
Under Staten Island’s comparative fault rules, you may still recover compensation for your injuries if you are not entirely responsible for the accident. This means that someone else must also share some of the blame for your crash. Fault is apportioned to everyone who contributes to the accident.
However, if you share fault, it will affect your ability to recover compensation. Your damages will be reduced by the amount of fault that is allocated to you. For example, if you are found to be 25 percent at fault, your damages will be reduced by 25 percent.
Therefore, it’s essential to consult with an experienced NYC car accident attorney after an accident, especially if others are trying to blame you for the crash. At Sgarlato & Sgarlato, our attorneys will work diligently to minimize your role in the accident. The less fault you share, the greater the compensation you may be able to obtain for your injuries.
Damages Are Available After a Staten Island Collision
Whether you’re seeking compensation from an insurance company or a negligent party, you have the right to recover damages for various losses, including medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability, reduced earning capacity, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
It’s crucial not to settle for less than what you deserve. At Sgarlato & Sgarlato, we have established a network of injury experts across the city who can provide valuable information and insight into the complex aspects of your case. By working with these experts, we can better understand your injuries and how they might affect you in the future, which allows us to determine the true value of your case.
What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Staten Island?
After getting into a car accident in Staten Island,, there are important steps to take to ensure your safety and protect your legal claims for compensation. Keep the following suggestions in mind:
MOVE AWAY FROM THE SCENE: If possible, move your car to the side of the road to avoid creating a hazard. If your car is not drivable, relocate yourself away from the vehicle to prevent further accidents.
REPORT THE ACCIDENT: Always call the police and ask them to dispatch an officer to the scene. The police report can be crucial in filing an insurance claim or lawsuit and provides important information, such as traffic and weather conditions.
SEE A DOCTOR: Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you think your injuries are not severe. Immediate medical evaluation can help identify any injuries and ensure prompt treatment. Skipping a medical check-up could result in undetected injuries that could put your life at risk.
REFUSE EARLY OFFERS: Insurance companies may try to offer you a quick and low settlement that doesn't cover all your damages. Don't accept any offer until you have spoken to an attorney.
CONSULT A NYC PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER: Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be stressful and overwhelming. At Sgarlato & Sgarlato, our attorneys can handle your legal case, investigate, negotiate, and, if necessary, litigate your claim to get maximum compensation. Contact us for a free consultation today.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Staten Island?
Time is of the essence when it comes to pursuing compensation after a car accident in Staten Island.
Insurance Claim
If you plan on seeking insurance benefits, you must notify the insurance company promptly after your accident. You also need to file your benefits claim within a reasonable time frame. What is considered "reasonable" varies among insurers.
Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you choose to file a personal injury lawsuit, you must do so within the applicable statute of limitations. In Staten Island, you have three years from the date of your accident to file a car accident lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to recover compensation.
Government Claim
If you believe a government agency or employee's negligence caused your injuries, you have even less time to pursue compensation. You have 90 days from the date of your accident to file a special administrative claim and one year to file a lawsuit.
If you are unsure about the time frame to file a claim or demand compensation, don't hesitate to contact Sgarlato & Sgarlato. Our attorneys can help you understand the applicable time limits for your case.
Call Our Staten Island Car Accident Lawyers For Help
After a car accident, you don't need the added stress of dealing with an injury claim on top of everything else. Hiring an experienced attorney can not only help you get the compensation you deserve, but also give you time to focus on recovering. Contact Sgarlato & Sgarlato for immediate assistance if you've been injured in a Staten Island car accident.
Remember, time is limited to file a lawsuit after an accident, so don't hesitate to contact us for help today.
Call Sgarlato & Sgarlato PLLC. today to schedule your consultation.
Sgarlato & Sgarlato PLLC Personal Injury Lawyers helps injured residents of the Staten Island area recover full compensation for the damages and losses they suffer due to the negligence of others.
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
