New York Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
For the first nine months of 2025, New York City reported one of its safest years on record for roadway fatalities. According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), traffic deaths dropped nearly 18% compared to the same period in 2024. Officials credit Vision Zero initiatives, street redesigns, and targeted enforcement for the improvements.
While this trend is encouraging, it does not change the reality for families across Westchester, the Bronx, and counties that include Kings, Orange, Rockland, New York, Queens, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties, who continue to face life-altering injuries and losses due to negligent driving. At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we recognize the progress New York has made in traffic safety, but we also continue to be there for those who are injured in our communities.
The State of Traffic Safety in 2025
The DOT’s recent report revealed:
- Fewer driver and passenger deaths. Fatalities among drivers and vehicle occupants fell by 37.5% compared with 2024.
- Lower cyclist and e-bike deaths. Traditional bicycle fatalities dropped to historic lows, while fatalities involving mopeds, motorcycles, and e-bikes also declined by 15%.
- A reduction in pedestrian deaths and injuries. Pedestrian fatalities fell 10%, though they remain the single largest category of roadway deaths. Pedestrian injuries dropped by 31%.
Street redesigns, including protected bike lanes, pedestrian islands, and traffic-calming projects, contributed to these numbers. For example, the redesign of Queens Boulevard and improvements on White Plains Road in the Bronx led to significant reductions in pedestrian and vehicle occupant injuries and deaths.
While this is good news for public safety, the numbers also highlight that hundreds of families are still affected each year. Even one fatality or serious injury affects an entire community.
Why Serious Accidents Continue to Happen
Despite progress, accidents caused by negligence remain common across New York. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Distracted driving.
- Speeding and aggressive driving.
- Impaired driving.
- Unsafe street designs.
The Vision Zero program is committed to eliminating all traffic injuries and fatalities in New York. There is still considerable effort that needs to be put towards education, street design, and enforcement to make that happen. Protected bike lanes and other new projects are promising starts toward this goal.
Legal issues that arise after a serious accident
If you or a loved one has been injured, the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Beyond immediate medical treatment, important legal issues often come into play, including:
- Insurance coverage — Determining how much coverage is available is critical. This includes looking at the at-fault driver’s liability policy, umbrella or excess coverage, and whether any resident relatives have applicable coverage.
- Supplemental underinsured motorist (SUM) coverage — SUM is one of the most valuable protections New York drivers can purchase, yet insurance companies rarely highlight it. With SUM, if the at-fault driver’s policy is insufficient, your own insurance may provide additional compensation.
- Failure to report an accident — Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law Section 600, failing to report a personal injury accident can be a misdemeanor, and failing to report property damage can also carry penalties. Reporting an accident promptly is both a legal and practical necessity.
- Assessing damages — Clients often ask about the value of their case. The truth is, many factors must be analyzed before any estimate can be made. These include available insurance, liability facts, medical documentation, and the long-term impact of injuries.
At The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel, we explain these issues clearly and realistically. We do not make “billboard promises” about million-dollar recoveries. Instead, we provide thoughtful legal guidance to help clients understand the strengths and potential challenges of their cases.
While Fatalities Are Down, Costs Are Up
When accidents do occur in New York, survivors face higher costs. About 154 million Americans get health insurance through their employers, but employers are facing increased health care insurance costs, spending an average of 9% more per worker. They will likely pass this added cost on to employees in higher deductions and rising out-of-pocket costs. According to consultancy group Mercer, employers are facing the largest price jumps in employee health coverage in 15 years.
U.S. inflation overall has been rising steadily, climbing 2.92% in August 2025. Car costs are also rising, with about 1 in 5 new car owners paying at least $1,000 per month in car payments.
As the cost of living increases, the cost of injuries also cost more. Health care for your injuries after a car accident will cost more, replacing or repairing your car will cost more, and while new advances in medicine are exciting, new treatments tend to be expensive.
All of this means that it is more important than ever to get full compensation for your injuries if you were in a car accident. If your injuries were caused by a negligent party and you pursue a personal injury case, your potential compensation may include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Past and future medical expenses.
- Past and future earnings and loss of earning capacity, if your injuries affect your ability to work and earn an income.
- Other losses, such as rental car costs, property damage, and incidental expenses.
You may have many options for pursuing fair compensation. If you lose a loved one in a traffic accident, for example, you may have a wrongful death claim and may be able to seek compensation for funeral and burial costs and the contributions your family member made to your household. If you were driving as part of work duties, you may have a workers’ compensation claim and may have access to wage and medical benefits.
The goal with benefits is to help you get back on your feet. Getting full recovery allows you to pay for mental health support, medical costs, everyday bills, and more. That way, you can get quality care and focus on healing rather than worrying about your finances.
Moving Forward After a Traffic Accident
Although New York City is on track for one of its safest years in traffic safety history, negligent drivers and unsafe conditions continue to put lives at risk. Increasing costs can put injured drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians under added financial pressure when they can least afford it.
With almost 40 years of legal experience, Mark A. Siesel has represented many clients across Westchester, the Bronx, Kings, Orange, Rockland, New York, Queens, Putnam, Dutchess, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. His knowledge of the law and personal approach to client relationships ensures that every case receives the attention it deserves.
If you have questions about your rights after an accident or an arrest, we provide a free consultation to discuss your accident and injuries. Contact The Law Office of Mark A. Siesel today to speak directly with an experienced attorney who cares about helping you move forward.