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Intersection accidents in New York can be extremely dangerous and often result in serious injuries or even fatalities. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, you should get a seasoned New York intersection collision accident lawyer on your side. 

The Law Offices of Michael S. Lamonsoff is a top-rated law firm handling intersection collision accident cases throughout New York. Our legal team is determined pursue the highest possible damages from all the liable parties on your behalf.

Dangerous Intersections in New York City for Motor Vehicle Collisions

New York City is known for its bustling streets and high traffic volume, which unfortunately contributes to a higher risk of intersection accidents. While accidents can occur at any intersection, there are certain locations within the city that have gained a reputation for being particularly hazardous. Here are some of the dangerous intersections in New York City where most accidents occur:

  • Times Square (Broadway and 7th Avenue): Located in the heart of Manhattan, Times Square is a major tourist attraction and commercial hub. The intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue is known for its heavy pedestrian traffic and complex traffic patterns, making it prone to accidents involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
  • Herald Square (34th Street and Broadway): Another busy intersection in Manhattan, Herald Square sees a significant influx of pedestrians, commuters, and shoppers. The convergence of 34th Street and Broadway, combined with nearby subway stations and large department stores, creates a challenging environment for both drivers and pedestrians.
  • Queens Boulevard and Roosevelt Avenue: Often referred to as the "Boulevard of Death," Queens Boulevard has a notorious reputation for its high number of accidents. The intersection with Roosevelt Avenue is particularly hazardous due to its multiple lanes, heavy traffic, and numerous pedestrian crossings.
  • Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue: Located in Brooklyn, the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Flatbush Avenue sees heavy traffic flow and is a common site for accidents. It serves as a major gateway to downtown Brooklyn, and the convergence of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians can lead to collisions.
  • Grand Concourse and East 161st Street: Situated in the Bronx, the intersection of Grand Concourse and East 161st Street is known for its heavy traffic volume and complex road layout. The combination of vehicles, pedestrians, and public transportation in the area contributes to the risk of accidents.
  • Northern Boulevard and Queens Plaza: Found in Queens, the intersection of Northern Boulevard and Queens Plaza experiences heavy traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. The presence of multiple lanes, merging traffic, and pedestrians navigating the area can lead to accidents.
  • 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue: Located near Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, the intersection of 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue is a bustling transportation hub. The high volume of vehicles, taxis, buses, and pedestrians can create hazardous conditions and increase the likelihood of accidents.

How Do Intersection Accidents Occur in New York City?

Intersection accidents can occur due to various factors and driver behaviors that increase the risk of collisions:

  • Failure to Yield Right-of-Way: One of the leading causes of intersection accidents is the failure to yield the right-of-way. This happens when a driver fails to give priority to another vehicle or pedestrian that has the right to proceed. It often occurs when drivers do not properly observe traffic signs, signals, or the flow of traffic.
  • Running Red Lights or Stop Signs: Ignoring traffic signals is a dangerous behavior that frequently leads to intersection accidents. Drivers who run red lights or stop signs put themselves and others at risk of side-impact or T-bone collisions, which can cause severe injuries or fatalities.
  • Left-Turn Collisions: Left-turn collisions frequently occur when a driver making a left turn fails to yield to oncoming traffic or misjudges the speed of approaching vehicles. These accidents commonly happen at intersections with no dedicated left-turn signals or when drivers attempt to make a quick turn without proper caution.
  • Right-of-Way Confusion: Confusion about right-of-way rules at complex intersections can result in accidents. Unclear lane markings, confusing traffic patterns, or lack of signage may cause drivers to make incorrect assumptions about who has the right-of-way, leading to collisions.
  • Distracted Driving: Driver distraction is a significant factor in intersection accidents. Distractions like cell phone use, eating, grooming, or engaging with in-car technologies divert a driver's attention from the road and increase the risk of accidents, particularly at intersections where split-second decisions are crucial.
  • Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver's ability to react to changing conditions at intersections. Speeding drivers may fail to stop in time or misjudge the timing of traffic signals, resulting in accidents. The force of high-speed impacts at intersections can lead to more severe injuries.
  • Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication impairs a driver's judgment, coordination, and reaction time. Impaired drivers may fail to obey traffic signals, drift into opposing lanes, or misjudge distances, causing accidents at intersections.
  • Pedestrian and Cyclist Negligence: Intersection accidents are not limited to vehicles. Pedestrians or cyclists who disregard traffic signals, cross against the light, or fail to use designated crosswalks contribute to accidents. Drivers must remain attentive to vulnerable road users and take appropriate precautions.
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