Poughkeepsie is a major city in the county of Dutchess, New York. Although car accidents don’t occur as often in Poughkeepsie as they do in more densely populated areas like Manhattan, they happen frequently enough to require caution among the city’s residents, and are the cause of fatal injuries and deaths every year.
Locals should be aware of recent traffic accident statistics in Poughkeepsie, and how those who suffer from accident-related injuries can seek help winning compensation for damages through a personal injury claim.
Car Accident Frequency in Poughkeepsie, NY
According to recent data, the following average numbers of car accidents occur each year in Poughkeepsie:
- 4 fatal traffic accidents
- 5 separate vehicles involved in fatal accidents
- 5 fatalities total
- 7 people involved in fatal accidents
- 2 fatal pedestrian accidents
The entire Dutchess County region has a serious problem with motor vehicle traffic injuries. As a result of motor vehicle accidents in 2014, the following occurred:
- 2 people died
- 14 people were hospitalized
- Another 152 people were treated in emergency rooms
Injuries were sometimes severe. The most recent data from the NYSDH indicates that an average of:
- 9 motorcyclists, 70 motor vehicle occupants, and 8 pedestrians suffer traumatic brain injuries each year
- 45 motorcyclists, 1,712 occupants, and 48 pedestrians suffer serious emergency department injuries
- Most injuries are sustained by individuals between 25 and 64 years old
- Most injuries are suffered by females at a rate of 1,079 (females) to 747 (males)
Clearly, driving in and around Poughkeepsie, New York can be hazardous. 25.9% of all lower Hudson Valley fatal injury crashes take place in or around the city of Poughkeepsie according to official Dutchess County data.
Those involved in car accidents in Poughkeepsie have the option of contacting skilled car accident lawyers like Sobo & Sobo, who may be able to help with acquiring a suitable settlement for any injuries sustained.
Why Do Car Accidents Occur so Frequently in Poughkeepsie, NY?
The city of Poughkeepsie has many features and attractions that make it a welcoming community for newcomers and longtime residents. But Poughkeepsie also has a number of confusing roads and problematically-constructed traffic arteries that can make motor vehicle traffic behavior difficult to anticipate, even for experienced drivers.
For example, the Taconic State Parkway is well-known for being particularly deadly. It is a scenic highway and a major roadway for Dutchess and other neighboring counties, which makes it heavily traveled by both regular commuters and visitors to the region.
Unfortunately, its scenic design results in a busy road with only two narrow lanes in either direction. This makes for difficult driving in inclement weather or after dark. Cars are unable to pass one another safely due to curves and winding areas throughout its length. This road was so infamous that it was named the second-deadliest road in Dutchess County, with Route 9 being the first.
US Route 9, which formerly went straight through Poughkeepsie, is now the relatively-new North-South Route 9 highway. The highway funnels traffic into a single road that often leads to congestion and other related road issues, most notably rear-end accidents.
In short, Poughkeepsie’s tight and congested roads and winding freeways can make driving in the region, and the rest of Dutchess County difficult. Seasoned and novice drivers alike may occasionally get into accidents due to issues with the terrain.
Other Causes for Car Accidents in Poughkeepsie
Drinking and driving is a serious problem throughout Poughkeepsie and the rest of New York State. Data suggests that 307 people died in New York State as a result of drunk driving in 2018 alone.
Wintery conditions are another major cause of car accidents that occur in and around Poughkeepsie. The Federal Highway Administration’s data indicates that as much as 24% of all weather-related vehicle crashes happen due to snow, ice, or slush on the pavement.
Accident Cases in Poughkeepsie, NY
In many cases, car accidents in Poughkeepsie are preventable. Though New York is a “no-fault” state for car accidents, car accident lawsuits can and are often brought to court when victims require compensation from one or more other drivers.
During such cases, car accident victims must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant was largely at fault for the accident, and that the incident could have been prevented if they had taken other action. Proving such negligence is often much easier with the help of skilled car accident attorneys located in Poughkeepsie.
Sobo & Sobo –one of Poughkeepsie’s most trusted car accident injury firms– can help victims find the compensation they need to get on with their lives and recover from their injuries.
Settlements for Car Accidents in Poughkeepsie, NY
Settlements for car accident cases can vary wildly based on medical bills and how much fault is proven against the defendant. But Sobo & Sobo won’t rest until their clients get as high a settlement as possible to cover personal pain and suffering, loss of income, and past and future medical expenses.
Contact Sobo & Sobo – Car Accident Lawyers in Poughkeepsie, NY
Sobo & Sobo offers the best car accident attorneys in the Poughkeepsie area. Contact them today for a free consultation, or call 855-468-7626 to speak with an expert attorney today.
