According to AAA, a New York car accident that occurs in the metropolitan area costs an average of $962 per person. This figure can easily turn into billions of dollars annually. The national average per person is $1,051.

The AAA study uncovered that auto accidents are more damaging to the community than traffic congestion. Cambridge Systematics conducted the research and found that car accidents in New York and throughout the country cost motorists about $164.2 billion every year. Researchers reviewed factors, such as property damage, lost income, medical expenses, emergency services, legal costs and travel delays.

AAA recommended that politicians take action to ensure that safety is a priority in transportation planning. The association suggested that lawmakers make stricter laws regarding drunk driving and impaired driving. It also recommended that states establish seat belt laws that give police officers the authority to stop drivers if their only offense is not wearing a seat belt.

If you have been injured in a car accident in Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan or other area in New York, you need to contact a New York car accident lawyer at the law firm of Rappaport, Glass, Greene and Levine at 800.734.9445 for legal advice.