Auto Accident Injury in Yonkers, NY
As one of the busiest cities in Westchester County, Yonkers sees a high volume of traffic—particularly during rush hours and on routes connecting to the Bronx and Manhattan. With so many drivers on the road, accidents are common, especially at high-risk intersections and major corridors.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to do after a crash in Yonkers, explain how New York’s laws affect your claim, and help you understand what compensation you may be entitled to.
You also need an auto accident attorney who understands the laws in and around Yonkers, NY that will fight for your legal rights and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve.
Auto Accident Injury Statistics in Yonkers, New York
In 2020, Yonkers reported 2,811 traffic accidents, resulting in 10 fatalities, 960 injuries, and 1,841 incidents of property damage.
Within Westchester County, where Yonkers is located, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations.
Common contributing factors to these accidents include distracted driving, speeding, and failure to yield the right-of-way.
What to Do After an Auto Accident
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Yonkers, knowing what to do immediately after the crash is essential for your safety, health, and ability to file a claim. Whether the accident occurs on Central Park Avenue, the Bronx River Parkway, or a quiet residential street, your response in those first few moments can make all the difference.
Receive Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking medical attention after a car accident in Yonkers is one of the most important steps you can take—both for your health and your ability to file a claim. Even if you feel fine in the immediate aftermath, adrenaline and shock can mask symptoms of more serious conditions like concussions, internal bleeding, or soft tissue injuries.
File a Police Report
Filing a police report after a car accident in Yonkers isn’t just smart—it’s required by law in many cases. Under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 605, you must report any crash involving:
- Injury or death, or
- Property damage of $1,000 or more
Gather the Appropriate Documentation
After a car accident in Yonkers, collecting the right documentation is essential. Whether you’re filing a no-fault PIP claim or pursuing a case against the at-fault driver for serious injuries, thorough records help establish liability, prove your losses, and support your version of events.
If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so, begin documenting the crash as soon as possible:
- Driver and Vehicle Information
- Full names, addresses, phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers and issuing states
- Insurance companies and policy numbers
- Vehicle makes, models, license plates, and registration numbers
- Photos and Videos
- All vehicle damage from multiple angles
- Skid marks, traffic signs, signals, and weather conditions
- Road layout and the relative position of vehicles
- Any visible injuries or hazards at the scene
- Witness Statements
- Names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash
- Ask witnesses if they’re willing to provide a written or verbal statement
Recovering Damages After an Auto Accident Injury
If your injuries meet New York’s “serious injury” threshold under Insurance Law § 5102(d), you may step outside the no-fault system and pursue a claim or lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Qualifying injuries include:
- Death
- Significant disfigurement
- Fracture
- Permanent loss of use of a body organ or function
- Significant limitation of a body system
- Medically determined injury preventing normal daily activity for at least 90 of the 180 days following the accident
Auto Accident Laws in New York
Liability Laws for Yonkers
While New York is a no-fault state for most minor and moderate injuries, fault still matters in serious injury cases. If your claim meets the legal standard, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence directly caused your injuries. New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means:
- You can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault
- Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault
For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and awarded $100,000 in damages, you would receive $80,000.
Statute of Limitations in Yonkers
Under New York Civil Practice Law & Rules (CPLR) § 214(5), you generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.
Work With an Experienced Auto Accident Lawyer Near Yonkers, NY
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming—from managing your recovery to dealing with insurance paperwork and medical bills. In New York, where no-fault insurance laws, serious injury thresholds, and tight legal deadlines all play a role, it’s easy to feel lost in the process. But you don’t have to navigate it alone.
After a car accident, you have enough to worry about. We can help you find an auto accident attorney for your unique case. Get the financial restitution that you deserve if you’re the victim of someone else’s conduct. We can even help you connect with legal help across New York state lines.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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