A car accident is defined as an accident that happens when a car hits a person, an animal, an object, or another vehicle, causing significant injury and/or property damage.
In 2021, almost 165,000 people were injured in car accidents across New York City, with a significant share occurring on major Brooklyn corridors such as Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and the BQE near Williamsburg and Downtown Brooklyn. These busy intersections and high-traffic areas are where many serious crashes happen, often leaving victims with life-changing injuries.
The National Safety Council estimates that there have been 21,300 motor vehicle deaths in the US in the first half of 2022. In New York City, 54 deaths have already been recorded in the first three months of the year alone, almost a 45% increase since the same time frame in 2021.
If you have been involved in a car accident, it is important to get the help of an experienced NYC personal injury lawyer. At Kucher Law Group, we can provide skilled legal counsel and representation to help individuals in more complicated personal injury cases. Our team can also help you file an insurance claim or a lawsuit against the at-fault party to pursue the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (929) 563-6780 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with our Brooklyn car accident attorneys.
Car Accidents vs. Car Crashes
Due to these devastating statistics, there have been discussions among experts and safety advocates on changing the terminology surrounding car accidents. According to road safety advocates, car accidents imply that drivers involved in the collision hold no fault for causing the incident. On the other hand, car crashes reflect the fact that one or more of the drivers involved made poor judgments that resulted in the accident.
According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver error remains, by and large, the major cause of auto collisions. Speeding, running the red light, distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and other similar actions constitute negligent driver behavior. Drivers have a duty of care to each other and are required to adhere to traffic laws.
Neighborhoods like Brownsville, East Flatbush, and Sunset Park see disproportionately high crash rates due to heavy commercial traffic, busy bus routes, and frequent double-parking. Along Tillary Street leading to the Brooklyn Bridge and Utica Avenue’s multi-lane stretch, violations such as speeding, red-light running, and unsafe lane changes are among the most common causes of preventable collisions
Negligence is defined as a breach of the duty of care expected of everyone using the roads. Traffic law is meant to dictate the rules of how to practice this duty of care in the interest of keeping everyone safe. When people deviate from the law, car crashes can occur.
Car crashes can be inconvenient at best but fatal at worst. Aside from medical expenses, the cost of rehabilitation and lost wages can leave a significant financial impact on a victim’s life. Failing to follow basic traffic rules, including yielding the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, is one of the most common causes of preventable crashes in busy areas of Brooklyn. That is in addition to the personal, emotional, and psychological effects a car crash can have on a victim and their family.
What is a Car Wreck?
A car wreck refers to instances where motor vehicles are involved in severe mishaps, typically resulting in extensive damage to vehicles and potential harm to individuals. Unlike car accidents, which might suggest an unavoidable event, car wrecks imply a more destructive scenario where driver negligence or reckless behavior is often a contributing factor.
The terminology shifts from “accident” to “wreck” to emphasize the severity and preventability of such incidents. For example, when a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, distracted by their phone, or blatantly disregarding traffic laws, and this leads to a collision, the term “car wreck” is used to signify the serious consequences and negligent nature of the driver’s actions.
This distinction is crucial in legal contexts, particularly in personal injury claims, where establishing the negligence of the involved parties is necessary for compensation. The use of “wreck” highlights that the event was not merely an accident but a result of irresponsible choices that led to significant damage and injury.
Knowing what a car wreck is can be vital for those involved in such incidents, especially when seeking legal recourse. It helps clarify the nature of the crash and can influence the legal strategy used by attorneys to address claims for damages and injuries sustained.
When the crash is caused by negligent or reckless behavior, it can further magnify the pain and suffering the victim is already experiencing. At Kucher Law Group, we understand how helpless it may feel to be unsure about the next steps you should take after a car crash. Our experienced Brooklyn car accident attorneys may be able to guide you on the legal measures you can take. Call us today to speak with one of our top-rated attorneys.
Common Types of Car Accidents and Their Causes
Understanding how different crashes occur can help you identify the negligent actions that caused your injuries. Below are the most common accident types and their key characteristics.
- Rear-End Collisions: Rear-end accidents happen when one vehicle hits the back of another and are often caused by distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking. In New York, the rear driver is generally presumed at fault, though liability can shift if the lead driver acted negligently. These crashes frequently lead to whiplash, concussions, back injuries, and facial injuries from airbags.
- Head-On Collisions: Head-on crashes occur when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front. They usually stem from severe negligence, such as drunk driving, falling asleep, unsafe passing, or entering the wrong lane. Because these accidents involve extreme force, injuries are often catastrophic, including TBIs, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and multiple fractures.
- Sideswipe Accidents: Sideswipes happen when the sides of two vehicles make contact, often due to unsafe lane changes, drifting from a lane, or aggressive merging. Determining fault can be difficult, making video footage and witness accounts crucial. Injuries range from whiplash and cuts to broken bones, especially when the impact causes a secondary crash.
- Broadside (T-Bone) Collisions: Broadside crashes occur when the front of one vehicle hits the side of another, most commonly at intersections where drivers run red lights, ignore stop signs, or fail to yield. These collisions often result in severe injuries due to the limited side protection, including head trauma, pelvic fractures, and internal injuries. Fault often hinges on traffic signal data and witness testimony.
- Rollover Accidents: A rollover happens when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof, often due to hitting a curb or soft soil (“tripped” rollovers) or sudden high-speed swerving (“untripped”). SUVs and trucks are especially prone to these accidents. Liability may involve multiple parties if poor road conditions or defective parts contributed. Rollover injuries are usually serious, including spinal injuries, head trauma, and crush injuries, particularly when occupants are ejected.
| Accident Type | Common Causes | Typical Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-End Collisions | Distracted driving, tailgating, sudden braking | Whiplash, concussions, back injuries, facial injuries |
| Head-On Collisions | Drunk driving, falling asleep, unsafe passing, wrong-way entry | Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, fractures |
| Sideswipe Accidents | Unsafe lane changes, drifting, aggressive merging | Whiplash, cuts, broken bones |
| Broadside (T-Bone) | Running red lights, ignoring stop signs, failing to yield | Head trauma, pelvic fractures, internal injuries |
| Rollover Accidents | Sharp swerving, hitting curbs, road defects | Spinal injuries, head trauma, crush injuries |
Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyers – Kucher Law Group
Samantha Kucher, Esq.
Samantha Kucher is a dedicated Brooklyn car accident attorney whose career has been shaped by a commitment to helping injury victims stand up to powerful insurance companies. Her passion for advocacy began at Milton Hershey School and continues today through her hands-on approach to representing clients facing life-changing injuries.
As the founding attorney of Kucher Law Group, she focuses on car accidents, pedestrian injuries, and premises liability cases. Samantha earned her B.A. from New York University and her J.D. from New York Law School, and she has volunteered with the New York County Family Law Pro Bono Program. She is fluent in English, Russian, and Spanish, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” and one of National Trial Lawyers’ “Top 40 Under 40.”
Michael Roitman, Esq.
Michael Roitman is a skilled Brooklyn car accident lawyer known for securing significant results in high-value injury cases. As the son of immigrants who fled persecution, he brings an unwavering dedication to clients who have been overlooked or mistreated. Michael is a co-founder of Kucher Law Group and holds a B.A. from New York University and a J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School.
He has obtained multiple seven-figure settlements and verdicts in motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, labor law, and medical malpractice cases. He is admitted to practice in New York and New Jersey State Courts, as well as the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York Federal Courts.
Alex Rybakov, Esq.
Alex Rybakov is a founding partner of Kucher Law Group with over a decade of experience handling complex personal injury cases. As a Brooklyn car accident attorney, he is known for combining strategic litigation skills with a client-centered approach. Alex earned his J.D. from Seton Hall Law School and his B.A. from New York University.
His experience spans motor vehicle accidents, slip and fall incidents, wrongful death cases, product liability, medical malpractice, and workplace injuries. Alex is committed to providing clear communication, detailed case strategies, and strong advocacy from start to finish.
Broadside Collision Definition
A broadside collision, commonly referred to as being “T-boned,” is a type of vehicular accident where the side of one vehicle is struck by the front or rear of another vehicle. This typically occurs at intersections and is often the result of negligent driving behaviors. The distinguishing factor of a broadside collision is the perpendicular angle of impact, with one vehicle hitting the other directly on the side.
The implications of a broadside collision are severe due to the limited protection offered by the doors and side structure of a vehicle, which are not as robust as the front and rear. Occupants near the point of impact are particularly vulnerable. In many cases, the sudden and forceful nature of the impact at high speeds leads to significant injuries or fatalities, especially for passengers seated on the struck side of the vehicle.
The root cause of these accidents usually boils down to driver error. Common mistakes include running a red light, speeding through an intersection, or changing lanes without adequate observation. The consequences of such errors are amplified by the vulnerability of vehicle sides to absorb the force of a collision.
To prevent broadside collisions, it is imperative for drivers to exercise increased caution, obey traffic signals, and remain vigilant of their surroundings, particularly at intersections. Awareness and defensive driving are key to reducing the frequency and severity of these devastating accidents.
Where do Broadside Collisions Most Commonly Occur?
Car design has increasingly prioritized safety features like seatbelts, airbags, and bumpers to safeguard drivers and passengers in recent years. However, while these systems strengthen the front and rear of most vehicles, the sides remain significantly more vulnerable, especially during high-impact crashes that occur on busy Brooklyn roadways.
A side impact collision, often called a T-bone collision or broadside crash, happens when the front end of one vehicle strikes the side of another. Even at speeds under 30 miles per hour, these collisions can cause severe injuries. This is especially true in Brooklyn neighborhoods such as East Flatbush, Brownsville, and Sunset Park, where traffic congestion, frequent bus routes, and sudden turning movements increase the likelihood of dangerous impacts. Despite modern crumple zones and other safety features, a powerful side impact involving a larger vehicle on major corridors such as Atlantic Avenue, Linden Boulevard, or Flatbush Avenue can lead to life-changing injuries.
Broadside collisions commonly occur at intersections, in parking lots, and in areas where drivers attempt to overtake or turn across oncoming traffic. In Brooklyn, intersections such as Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue near Prospect Park, Pennsylvania Avenue and Linden Boulevard in East New York, the multi-lane traffic circle at Grand Army Plaza, and the Bedford Avenue and Nassau Avenue crossing in Williamsburg are known danger zones. These areas combine heavy vehicle flow, complex traffic signals, and limited sightlines, all of which increase crash risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about one fourth of passenger vehicle fatalities involve side impact collisions.
Injury severity depends on where the vehicle is struck and where occupants are seated. In dense areas like Downtown Brooklyn, where delivery trucks frequently turn across intersections near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, even a moderate side impact can result in internal injuries, fractures, or long-term mobility issues.
If you are involved in a side impact collision, having a Brooklyn car accident lawyer can be crucial. At Kucher Law Group, our attorneys understand why these crashes happen on local streets and how factors such as roadway design, traffic volume, and neighborhood patterns influence liability. With extensive experience in New York traffic law and the legal standards used in Brooklyn courts, we are prepared to provide strong representation and help injured clients pursue full and fair compensation.
Third-Party Negligence
However, car collisions and accidents can also be caused by third-party negligent behavior. Third-party negligent behavior can be the failure to maintain roads or remove hazards that can cause accidents. The government has a duty to maintain the roads for the safe use of pedestrians and motor vehicles. Third-party negligence can be seen in the following:
- Uneven roads and potholes
- Overgrown vegetation that covers roadways
- Defective traffic lights
Businesses and car manufacturers can also be liable for third-party negligence in the following:
- Construction debris on roadways
- Defective car parts and systems
For those involved in a car collision due to third-party negligence, getting the help of an experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorney can be essential. Our team of skilled personal injury attorneys at Kucher Law Group understands the inconvenience, stress, and frustration a car crash can cause. Especially in a case involving third-party negligence, we can assist in filing a claim against the negligent party to pay for the damages incurred.
What Should You Do After a Car Crash?
Regardless of how carefully you drive and follow traffic rules and regulations, the chance of being involved in a car crash still remains. Here are some actions you can take to help protect your rights and increase your chances of getting fair compensation:
Seek Medical Attention
Your priority after being involved in an accident should be your well-being. Damaged property can be replaced. Even if your injuries appear minor outwardly, you need to rule out the possibility of internal ailments that cannot be seen immediately. Car crashes can result in:
- Contusions
- Concussions
- Internal bleeding
- Broken bones – of particular note are spinal cord, ribs, and neck injuries
- Paralysis
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological issues
- Wrongful death
It is important to make sure that you address your medical needs first before taking other actions after a car accident.
Document Any Injuries and Property Damage
Any medical records or receipts you get can serve as evidence supporting your personal injury claim. It may also be helpful to ask a friend or other trusted individual to help you in documenting the scene of the accident or property damage while you recuperate. Photos of the extent of your injury would also help establish your case.
File a Police Report
After the accident, you may need to file a police report if one was not lodged at the scene of the crash. You will need to fill out a form and mail it to the Department of Motor Vehicles in Albany. The completed form will be helpful in validating the fact that you were indeed involved in a crash.
Refrain From Making Statements About the Accident
It may be tempting to post about your experience on social media or to talk about it with your friends and family. However, any statement you make about the incident may be held as an admission of guilt or laying blame on the other party or parties involved in the crash. An insurance adjuster may use any statements you make as evidence to avoid paying you the settlement amount that you rightfully deserve.
Keeping the details of the incident to yourself, your lawyer, and a handful of trusted friends may be the best course of action until your case is settled.
Consult an Experienced Brooklyn Car Accident Lawyer
One of the most important things to remember when filing a personal injury claim after a car accident is to never take a settlement before consulting an attorney. Under New York’s no-fault laws, insurance companies are the first entity that people turn to for compensation after an accident. However, in the interest of profit, insurance companies may engage in activities that shortchange the victim. In some cases, insurance companies may outright refuse to pay a settlement. Having the help of an experienced Brooklyn car accident attorney can allow you to be more confident that your rights are protected.
At Kucher Law Group, we have helped crash victims throughout Brooklyn communities such as Park Slope, Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, and Bushwick, as well as injured New Yorkers across Manhattan and the greater NYC area. Whether your collision happened on a busy neighborhood street like 86th Street in Bay Ridge or along major routes like the BQE or Belt Parkway, our team is prepared to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Samantha Kucher, a top-rated Brooklyn car accident and personal injury attorney, has helped many families claim compensation for the troubles they encountered after a car accident. We can help you negotiate a fair settlement or provide aggressive legal representation if the matter comes to court. Contact us today at (929) 563-6780 to schedule a free consultation.
