New York City can be a dangerous place to drive, and the Inwood-Washington Heights area of Manhattan is no exception. Inwood in particular has several intersections and major roads that are hotspots for traffic collisions and driver/pedestrian injuries. All residents should know which dangerous areas to avoid within Inwood, and what to do if involved in a car accident on one of the neighborhood’s busy streets.
Dangerous Areas for Driving in Inwood, NY
NYC in general can be hazardous for drivers and pedestrians alike. But Inwood is home to some of the city’s most dangerous driving locations.
For example, West 207th Street runs through three intersections. More collisions happen at these three intersections than all other intersections in Inwood. This section of roadway is also dangerous because it has some of the most treacherous pedestrian crossings in the area. These notoriously dangerous intersections are located at:
- West 207th St. and 9th Avenue: this is the worst intersection for car accidents. Between July 2012 and 2015, 117 collisions were reported. Five of the 36 people injured were pedestrians.
- West 207th St. and Broadway: 93 collisions were reported here between 2015-2017. 12 pedestrians were injured during this time
- West 207th St. and 10th Avenue: 14 people were reported injured over 82 collisions between 2012-2015, four of which were pedestrians hit by motor vehicle traffic.
There are other dangerous streets in Inwood to watch out for. When heading from Inwood to Washington Heights and the Bronx, many drivers cross onto I-95. But this traffic hotspot—which is reached before crossing the George Washington Bridge—causes an average of 210 crashes each year.
What to do After a Car Accident in Inwood, NY
Car accidents anywhere can be dangerous and cause injuries to all involved. Possible injuries from car accidents in metropolitan areas like Inwood include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Muscle and ligament strains and tears
- Bruises from airbags
- Cuts and scrapes from glass and debris
Car accidents can be dangerous for both car occupants and for pedestrians. The streets of New York are often crowded with pedestrians that may or may not observe crosswalk procedures or lights. Pedestrians involved in car accidents may experience additional injuries such as:
- Paralysis
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones
- Road rash
Anyone involved in a car accident should immediately seek medical attention and listen to any emergency responders on the scene.
Local Inwood and Washington Heights Hospitals for Car Accident Injury Care
The following healthcare centers are the most trusted hospitals and emergency departments in the Inwood-Washington Heights region:
New York-Presbyterian/The Allen Hospital:
5141 Broadway, New York, NY 10034
St Josephs Medical Practice PC:
692 W. 204th St., New York, NY 10034
New York-Presbyterian Hospital:
184 Washington Ave., New York, NY 10032
Causes for Car Accidents in Inwood, NY
The leading causes of car accidents in NYC are the same as those across the country. These include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving while texting
- Speeding or ignoring the rules of the road
- Driving during unsafe weather conditions
- Not yielding the right-of-way to automobiles or pedestrians
- Turning without signaling
Circumstances surrounding the cause of an accident usually plays a major role in determining the party who is found to be at fault for injuries and other damages in a court of law (if a car accident lawsuit is filed).
Starting the Legal Process for an Inwood Car Accident
The monetary and physical damages from which car accident victims suffer can be devastating. Physical pain and suffering alone can significantly or permanently alter quality of life. Car accident injuries can lead to lasting disability or pain and prevent victims from returning to work.
Additionally, medical bills can pile up quickly, and car accident victims may need to file a lawsuit to receive the full amount of compensation they are owed. In this case, starting an Inwood, NY car accident lawsuit as quickly as possible is crucial. What’s more, New York’s statute of limitations for car accidents prevents victims from filing a lawsuit after three years following the accident.
Once filed, an experienced New York car accident attorney can help victims present the best case possible to a court. Successful car accident lawsuits can result in damages that cover:
- The cost for past and future medical treatments
- Loss of future income
- Pain-and-suffering damages to account for physical and mental turmoil
- Payment for lost property, like a car
It is crucial for many car accident victims to receive compensation for their injuries. Private insurance typically only offers compensation that covers about half of all traffic accident costs. Victims are often left to pay the balance of their bills out of pocket. That’s why it’s important to have trusted New York lawyers on your side.
Putting together a successful car accident case depends on gathering solid evidence and employing legal expertise. An experienced car accident attorney helps victims gather evidence, medical records, witness testimonials, photographs, video footage, and anything else that ensures injured parties win settlements that provide the maximum amount of compensation they are owed.
Contact NY Car Accident Attorneys Today
For over 50 years, the car accident attorneys at Sobo & Sobo’s Inwood office have helped car accident victims throughout New York City win the compensation and justice they deserve. If you or a loved one has been in a car accident in the Washington Heights-Inwood area, call 855-468-7626 for a free consultation with an English or Spanish-speaking attorney, and discover the value of your case. You can also contact us through our website, or visit us at our Inwood office on 4791 Broadway, #3H, New York, NY 10034.
