Car accidents in NYC remain a serious problem in 2025. With millions of vehicles navigating tight city streets and congested highways, the chances of getting into a crash are unfortunately higher than they’ve ever been. At The Irwin Law Firm, PLLC, we’ve seen firsthand the devastating results of car accidents caused by avoidable mistakes.

Here are the five most common causes of car accidents in New York City this year and what to do in the unfortunate event that you end up in a fender bender.

Speed limits not only help drivers reach their destinations safely, but they also keep the traffic flowing at the ideal pace for any given roadway. Especially in a city as densely packed as New York, following speed limits is critical.

Speeding not only reduces a driver’s reaction time, but it also increases your stopping distance and the force of impact when collisions happen.

In 2025, NYC continues to enforce its Vision Zero traffic safety initiatives, but speeding remains a leading factor in severe injuries and fatalities. Whether on highways like the FDR Drive or local streets in Brooklyn, Queens or the Bronx, driving too fast can quickly turn an ordinary day into a life-threatening disaster

What do you do when you hear that familiar ping of a text message coming through? Like most of us, you’ll probably grab your phone, unlock it and read the message. But what about when you’re driving? Not everyone has hands-free capabilities (and some who do still don’t use it).

Distracted driving is still one of the biggest culprits of car accidents in 2025—despite hands-free features and public awareness campaigns. That’s not to say your phone is the only distraction tempting a driver into dismissing safety concerns. Eating, adjusting the radio, drinking coffee and setting your GPS can all create unexpectedly devastating distractions.

In a city where traffic conditions change by the second, distraction can be fatal. According to NYPD traffic data, distracted driving is responsible for a significant number of rear-end collisions and pedestrian-related accidents.

Drunk driving is still an unprecedented epidemic that only ever yields ruinous consequences. Despite increased NYPD presence and plentiful public transit options, impaired driving is still a major contributor to car accidents in NYC. In 2025, we’re also seeing a rise in crashes caused by drugged driving, including the misuse of prescription medications

Even one impaired driver can cause multiple-vehicle pileups or tragic fatalities, especially in high-traffic zones like Times Square or the Williamsburg Bridge.

Driving while drowsy can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of substances. It slows reaction times, clouds judgment, and if you fall asleep at the wheel you become a danger to everyone else on the road. 

Many NYC drivers, especially truckers, rideshare and delivery drivers work long hours (often without much rest). Tired drivers like these already create their own hazard of sorts on the roads. Time of day is important to consider as well, as fatigue related accidents often occur late at night or during early morning commutes.

Not all crashes are the driver’s fault. Sometimes, the vehicle itself harbors a hidden danger that tends to show itself at the worst possible times. 

From faulty brakes to blown tires, malfunctioning airbags, or software glitches in newer vehicles; no automobile is perfect. Defective car parts can cause serious accidents—even if the driver is being responsible. Make sure to get your car checked out by a professional mechanic on a regular basis and check for recalls on parts for your car periodically.

In 2025, more vehicles are equipped with AI-assisted features. While these systems can help prevent crashes, they also introduce new risks when they fail.

Even the most careful drivers can become victims of another person’s negligence. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in NYC, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Get a free consultation with us, just call (631) 948-0753

At The Irwin Law Firm, PLLC, we specialize in personal injury law and fight aggressively to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Whether your accident involved a distracted driver, a drunk driver, or a defective vehicle, we have the experience to help.

Accidents don’t wait for business hours—and neither do we. The Irwin Law Firm is available 24/7 for phone consultations or online case evaluations.

Let us take on the legal stress while you focus on recovery. Call today or contact us through our website to speak directly with an experienced NYC car accident attorney.