The Irwin Law Firm, PLLC knows from many of our clients that the NYPD no longer sends officers to most car accidents if they believe there are “insufficient injuries”, leaving many accident victims stranded at the scene. But that doesn't change every driver’s legal obligations and injury victim's rights. New York State law still requires all drivers involved in an accident to: Stop at the scene and remain there Exchange information, including name, address, driver's license number, vehicle registration, and insurance details Report the collision to the DMV within 10 days if there's injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 (using Form MV-104) So what happens when the other driver refuses to cooperate or leaves the scene entirely? While it's a stressful situation, in addition to calling The Irwin Law Firm, PLLC, there are specific steps you can take to protect yourself legally and financially. Practical, Actionable Steps to Take At the Scene 1.  Stay Safe and Stay Put Move your vehicle to a safe area if possible, but do not leave the scene. You are legally required to remain until all obligations (reporting and exchanging information) are complete. 2. Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation Many [...]

Car accidents can happen anywhere in New York City, but certain areas are definitely more dangerous than others. If you are an NYC driver or pedestrian, stay aware and safe by taking account of these borough-specific tips and know where common car and pedestrian traffic incidents take place. Brooklyn Car Accidents In 2024 Brooklyn accounted for about 30% of the collisions that occurred in NYC. Here is what you need to know if Brooklyn is a part of your daily commute. Dangerous Intersections Flatbush Avenue & Atlantic Avenue: This is an intersection near the Barclay Center, and common accidents are T-bone collisions and pedestrian injuries. Linden Boulevard & Pennsylvania Avenue: This East New York crossing can confuse drivers. The streets are broad, and there are multiple signals that require driver’s attention. Many drivers speed and make frequent lane changes, causing fender benders and high-speed crashes. Ocean Parkway & Kings Highway: At this intersection, a major parkway leads into a busy commercial corridor. The traffic volume is high, and there are limited visibility issues which makes it prone to sideswipes and rear-end accidents. Creative, Diverse, and Unpredictable Roads New Yorkers know that the layout [...]

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. Speeding 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 [...]

After a car accident, every moment matters, which is why we created this clear, easy-to-follow guide to help you take the right steps. But if you’ve been injured, it's important that you don’t wait — call The Irwin Law Firm right away at (631) 948-0753 We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. What To Do After a Car Accident in NYC 1. Report the Accident to the NYPD or NYS DMV Notifying the NYPD by calling 9-1-1 from the accident scene is important, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage. You may need to file an official accident report which will become a critical piece of documentation for insurance and legal purposes. Where the damage to property is more than $1,000 or anyone is injured you should file an accident report with the NYS DMV, within 10 days of the accident, because that is what NY law requires if the police don't come to the scene. 2. Monitor Your Health and Get Medical Attention, If Needed You may not feel injured right away but it’s important to monitor your health in [...]