Queens Intersection Accident Lawyer

Intersections are where Queens roads are most dangerous. If you were injured at an intersection in Jamaica, Flushing, Astoria, or anywhere else in Queens, our experienced Queens intersection accident lawyers are ready to help. At The Orlow Firm, we've spent over 40 years representing people injured by negligent drivers throughout this borough. We know how to build strong cases when the other side disputes who had the right of way.

Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation | Se Habla Español

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Queens is the second most crash-prone borough in New York City, and intersections account for most of the serious accidents here. Our analysis of NYC Open Data motor vehicle collision records shows that Queens recorded 152,063 crashes from 2019 through 2025. The leading causes are the exact behaviors that make intersections lethal.

Failure to yield the right of way was cited in 15,137 Queens crashes — 10% of all collisions. Drivers running red lights or ignoring stop signs contributed to 4,595 more. Improper turns added another 3,672. Together, these three intersection-specific behaviors caused nearly one in five crashes in the borough.

Distracted driving is the single leading factor at 26.6% of all crashes. At an intersection, a driver looking at a phone for five seconds at 25 mph travels roughly 183 feet. That's more than enough distance to blow through a red light or miss a car completing a left turn.

More than 64,000 people were injured in Queens crashes from 2019 to 2025. Pedestrian injuries hit a seven-year high of 2,054 in 2025. Cyclist injuries reached an all-time high of 943 that same year.

Our analysis also shows where the danger is worst. Jamaica leads all neighborhoods: 14,652 crashes, 6,736 injuries, and 40 fatalities from 2019 to 2025. South Queens — Howard Beach, Ozone Park, and Richmond Hill — follows with 14,191 crashes and 37 deaths. Northern Boulevard is the most crash-prone corridor in the borough, with 2,330 recorded collisions. Roosevelt Avenue, despite ranking 11th in total crashes, recorded seven fatalities — the highest per-crash death rate in Queens. Dense pedestrian traffic, elevated subway infrastructure, and a heavy vehicle mix all contribute.

Peak crash hours run from 2 PM to 6 PM, accounting for 30.4% of all Queens crashes. Friday is the deadliest day of the week.

Queens Boulevard was once nicknamed the "Boulevard of Death" after 186 traffic deaths between 1990 and 2017. Vision Zero redesigns have helped — but intersections along its length, particularly at Roosevelt Avenue, Woodhaven Boulevard, and Union Turnpike, still generate serious crashes.

New York Laws That Govern Queens Intersection Accidents

Intersection accidents are governed by specific provisions of New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law. These rules go well beyond general negligence principles. Knowing which statute applies to your crash is often the key to establishing who is at fault.

VTL § 1140 — Right of Way at Intersections

Under Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1140, a driver approaching an intersection must yield to a vehicle that has already entered it. When two vehicles enter at approximately the same time from different roads, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right. This rule governs most side-impact and angle crashes where both drivers claim they had priority.

VTL § 1141 — Left-Turn Accidents

Section 1141 places the burden on the turning driver. Any driver turning left must yield to all oncoming traffic within the intersection or close enough to pose an immediate hazard. Under New York law, if a driver makes a left turn and collides with another vehicle at a yield sign, that collision is treated as prima facie evidence of failure to yield. That legal presumption is powerful in left-turn accident cases.

VTL § 1111 — Red Lights and Traffic Signals

Section 1111 requires drivers facing a steady red signal to stop before the crosswalk and stay stopped until the signal changes. Running a red light is a clear violation. When that violation causes a crash, it establishes what lawyers call "negligence per se" — the violation itself proves the driver breached their duty of care, without needing further proof.

No-Fault Insurance and the Serious Injury Threshold

New York operates under a no-fault insurance system. Under Insurance Law § 5102, your own insurer covers your medical expenses and a portion of lost wages — up to $50,000 in combined basic economic loss — regardless of who caused the crash. This coverage provides $2,000 per month toward lost wages for up to three years, and $25 per day for other expenses.

To sue for pain and suffering beyond what no-fault covers, your injuries must meet the "serious injury" threshold under § 5102(d). Qualifying injuries include fractures, significant permanent limitation of a body part or function, permanent loss of use of a body part, and injuries that kept you from normal activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the accident.

CPLR § 1411 — Pure Comparative Negligence

New York follows a pure comparative negligence rule. Even if you were partly responsible for the crash — slightly over the speed limit, or rolling a stop sign — you can still recover compensation. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. A driver who was 30% at fault in a crash causing $100,000 in damages can still recover $70,000.

Notice of Claim for Government Defendants

If a city bus, NYPD vehicle, or a broken traffic signal contributed to your crash, different rules apply. Claims against New York City require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the accident. Miss that deadline and you lose your right to sue the City. Steven Orlow's background as a former Counsel to the County Executive of Queens County gives our firm direct insight into how city agencies respond to these claims.

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Types of Intersection Accidents We Handle

Our attorneys have handled the full range of Queens intersection collisions, including:

T-Bone and Side-Impact Crashes

T-bone collisions happen when one vehicle strikes the side of another. This usually occurs because a driver ran a red light, failed to yield at a stop sign, or entered without right of way. The sides of vehicles offer far less protection than the front or rear, which is why these crashes so often cause serious injuries. Under VTL §§ 1111 and 1140, the driver who violated the signal or right-of-way rule is typically liable.

Left-Turn Accidents

Left-turn crashes are among the most litigated intersection cases in Queens. The turning driver's obligation under VTL § 1141 is clear: yield to all oncoming traffic before completing the turn. Even so, at-fault drivers and their insurers frequently contest liability — arguing the oncoming vehicle was speeding or that conditions made the turn reasonable. Our attorneys gather crash physics data, signal timing records, and surveillance footage to counter those arguments.

Rear-End Collisions at Signals

When a driver stops for a red light and is struck from behind, the rear driver is presumptively at fault in New York. These crashes frequently cause whiplash, herniated discs, and other cervical injuries that may not appear right away. If you were rear-ended at a Queens intersection and felt fine at the scene, get medical attention that same day. Delayed diagnosis weakens both your health outcome and your legal case.

Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents at Crosswalks

Queens pedestrians and cyclists face real danger at intersections. In 2025, pedestrian injuries across the borough hit a seven-year high. Cyclist injuries reached an all-time record. Pedestrians have the right of way in marked crosswalks when facing a walk signal. Under VTL § 1146, all drivers must exercise due care to avoid hitting pedestrians at all times. We handle pedestrian and cyclist intersection claims as well as motorist-versus-motorist cases. Injuries in pedestrian and cyclist cases are often far more severe.

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Head-On Collisions from Wrong-Way Turns

Drivers who turn into oncoming lanes at intersections create head-on impacts that combine the speed of both vehicles. These crashes tend to cause the worst injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, and internal organ damage. Cases like these typically involve claims for full economic and non-economic damages.

Common Causes of Queens Intersection Crashes

Our analysis of NYC Open Data records covering all Queens crashes from 2019 to 2025 identifies the specific behaviors behind intersection injuries in this borough:

Distracted Driving — Driver inattention or distraction was cited in more than 40,000 Queens crashes, making it the leading contributing factor at 26.6% of all collisions with a listed cause. At an intersection, a momentary distraction can mean missing a light change, a turning vehicle, or a pedestrian stepping off the curb.

Failure to Yield — Failure to yield right of way was recorded in 15,137 Queens crashes — 10% of the total. This is the most common intersection-specific cause and directly implicates VTL §§ 1140 and 1141. It's often decisive in determining who is liable.

Running Red Lights and Ignoring Traffic Controls — Traffic control disregarded was cited in 4,595 Queens crashes. Red-light running is both a criminal traffic infraction and, in a civil lawsuit, negligence per se.

Unsafe Speed — Speed was cited in 4,238 Queens crashes. On corridors like Queens Boulevard — posted at 30 mph but routinely violated before Vision Zero interventions — speed cuts the time drivers have to react at intersections.

Improper Turns — Turning improperly contributed to 3,672 crashes. This includes illegal U-turns, wide turns that cross into opposing lanes, and turns initiated from the wrong lane.

Impaired Driving — Alcohol involvement was cited in 2,789 Queens crashes over the seven-year period. This figure is widely considered an undercount since impairment often goes undetected or unrecorded.

Dangerous Intersection Design — Not every crash is purely a driver's fault. Missing or malfunctioning signals, blocked sightlines, faded crosswalk markings, and poor road design can contribute. When they do, the City of New York may share liability.

Injuries Common in Queens Intersection Accidents

The forces in T-bone, head-on, and high-speed rear-end crashes often produce injuries that meet New York's serious injury threshold. That means you can pursue a full lawsuit outside the no-fault system.

Whiplash and Cervical Strain — Rear-end and side-impact collisions cause the head and neck to snap violently. Whiplash may not produce immediate pain. Documented treatment within days of the crash is essential. Insurance carriers routinely challenge soft-tissue injuries, and our attorneys know how to push back with medical evidence.

Traumatic Brain Injuries — Head strikes against a steering wheel, window, or door panel in side-impact and head-on crashes can cause concussion or more severe TBI. These injuries may not be visible right away and require CT or MRI confirmation.

Spinal Injuries and Disc Herniations — High-speed T-bone collisions frequently compress or rupture spinal discs. MRI findings showing herniation, nerve impingement, or permanent spinal limitation satisfy the serious injury threshold and typically support strong damages claims.

Broken Bones — Fractures to the wrist, ankle, collarbone, ribs, or jaw automatically satisfy the serious injury threshold under § 5102(d). Our firm recovered $435,000 for a client whose vehicle was struck by a left-turning car, producing ankle and wrist fractures that required surgery.

Internal Injuries — Seatbelt and airbag deployment can cause blunt-force trauma to internal organs. These injuries may not show symptoms at the scene but can be life-threatening.

Psychological Injuries — PTSD and severe anxiety after intersection crashes on familiar commute routes are real and compensable as non-economic damages in a New York personal injury claim.

Even injuries that aren't permanent can qualify for a lawsuit. Under the 90/180-day rule, if your injuries kept you from substantially all of your usual daily activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days after the crash, you meet the threshold.

What to Do After a Queens Intersection Accident

Taking the right steps after an intersection crash protects both your health and your legal rights.

1. Call 911 — New York law requires reporting any accident involving injury or death. NYPD will complete an MV-104 collision report; get the report number before you leave the scene.

2. Document Everything You Can — Photograph vehicle positions, signal faces (if visible), skid marks, crosswalk markings, and any damage. Note whether nearby businesses or traffic cameras might have captured the crash. That footage disappears fast.

3. Get Witness Information — Queens neighborhoods are dense with foot traffic. Ask anyone nearby who saw the crash for their name and phone number. Independent witnesses carry real weight with insurers and juries.

4. Seek Medical Attention That Same Day — Whiplash, internal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries often develop hours or days after a crash. A same-day ER or urgent care visit ties your injuries to the accident and starts building the evidence for a serious injury threshold claim.

5. Do Not Admit Fault — VTL right-of-way rules determine fault objectively. Even saying "I'm sorry" can be used by the other driver's insurer to cut your recovery. Let the police report and evidence do the work.

6. Report to Your Own Insurer Within 30 Days — New York's no-fault system requires timely notice to your own carrier. Miss this deadline and you risk losing your PIP benefits.

7. Preserve Physical Evidence — Do not repair your vehicle until it has been photographed. Keep all medical bills, prescription receipts, and insurer correspondence.

8. Contact a Queens Intersection Accident Lawyer Before Talking to the Other Driver's Insurer — Adjusters may call quickly with settlement offers that fall well below your actual damages. Talk to our attorneys first. The consultation is free, and we can come to you if you cannot travel.

Call (646) 647-3398 | Our Queens office is at 71-18 Main Street, Flushing. We can also meet you in Brooklyn, Manhattan, or the Bronx, or come directly to you.

Proving Liability in a Queens Intersection Accident Case

When both drivers claim the right of way, you need evidence from multiple sources. Our attorneys have handled hundreds of these disputes throughout Queens.

The Police Report — The NYPD MV-104 report records the officer's observations, any VTL violations cited, and witness statements. A citation for running a red light or failure to yield creates immediate leverage in settlement talks.

Traffic Camera and Surveillance Footage — NYC has traffic cameras at major intersections. Gas stations, ATMs, pharmacies, and delis near the crash often have security cameras pointing at the street. This footage is typically overwritten within 24 to 72 hours. Sending legal preservation letters is one of the first things we do when you hire us.

Red-Light Camera Records — NYC operates red-light enforcement cameras at up to 600 intersections. If your crash happened at one of them, we can request the photographic evidence through a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request to the NYC Department of Transportation or the Queens County Clerk's office.

Accident Reconstruction — When physical evidence — skid marks, vehicle damage, airbag deployment data — contradicts one party's account, we bring in engineers and accident reconstructionists. They can establish from physics who entered the intersection first, at what speed, and from which lane.

Witness Testimony — Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers who saw the crash carry real credibility. We reach out to witnesses early, before memories fade.

City of New York Liability — If a broken traffic signal, missing signage, or poor intersection design contributed to your crash, the City of New York may be a defendant. Claims against the City require a Notice of Claim within 90 days. Miss that window and you typically lose your right to sue. The NYC DOT is responsible for signal maintenance and intersection design across all five boroughs.

Compensation Available After a Queens Intersection Accident

No-Fault (PIP) Benefits

Regardless of who caused the crash, New York's no-fault system entitles you to Personal Injury Protection benefits through your own insurer: up to $50,000 for medical expenses, $2,000 per month in lost wages for up to three years, and $25 per day for other necessary expenses. These benefits are available right away — you don't need to establish fault to access them.

Economic Damages

If your injuries meet the serious injury threshold, you may file a civil lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Economic damages in an intersection accident case include:

• All past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages at your full rate (not capped at $2,000/month)
• Loss of earning capacity if your injuries affect your long-term ability to work
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages cover the human cost of your injuries: physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, PTSD and anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium for a spouse whose relationship is affected by your injuries.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving grossly reckless conduct — a driver who ran a red light at high speed while intoxicated, for example — courts may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior. These are available in intersection cases, though relatively rare.

The Orlow Firm works on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our fee is typically one-third of the net recovery.

Our Results in Intersection and Motor Vehicle Cases

$997,997 — A taxi driver suffered back injuries requiring surgery after being struck head-on by a truck. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

$750,000 — A passenger in a work vehicle suffered neck and back injuries requiring surgery in a motor vehicle accident. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

$675,000 — A driver rear-ended by a tractor trailer sustained bilateral shoulder injuries requiring arthroscopic surgery. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

$450,000 — A head-on collision left our client with a fractured collarbone requiring surgery. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

$435,000 — A vehicle making a left turn struck our client's car, causing ankle and wrist fractures that required surgery — a direct VTL § 1141 violation. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

$250,000 — An elderly woman struck while crossing a street sustained a hip fracture requiring surgery. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

$183,269 — A pedestrian struck in a crosswalk suffered back and knee injuries requiring surgery. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Queens Intersection Accidents

Who is at fault in a Queens intersection accident?

Fault is determined by which driver violated New York's right-of-way laws. Under VTL § 1140, the driver who entered the intersection second must yield. Under § 1141, the left-turning driver must yield to all oncoming traffic. A driver who ran a red light under § 1111 is presumptively liable through the doctrine of negligence per se.

What should I do immediately after an intersection accident in Queens?

Call 911, photograph the scene and any visible signals or skid marks, and get witness contact information. Seek medical attention that same day — even if you feel fine. Report the accident to your own insurer within 30 days to protect your no-fault benefits. Do not discuss fault with the other driver's insurance adjuster before talking to an attorney.

Can I still recover compensation if I was partly at fault for the intersection accident?

Yes. New York's pure comparative negligence rule under CPLR § 1411 allows recovery even if you were partially responsible. Your compensation is reduced proportionally. If you were 25% at fault and your damages total $200,000, you recover $150,000. Being partly at fault does not bar your claim.

What is the statute of limitations for filing an intersection accident claim in New York?

You generally have three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the deadline is two years. If a government entity is involved — a city bus, NYPD vehicle, or a defective city-maintained signal — you must file a Notice of Claim within 90 days or lose your right to sue the City.

What if I received a traffic ticket at the intersection — does that hurt my case?

A ticket from criminal traffic court is separate from your civil personal injury claim and is not automatically binding on a civil court. However, a guilty plea or conviction can be used as evidence against you. If you received a ticket at the intersection where you were injured, talk to our attorneys before entering any plea.

Can I sue the City of New York if a broken traffic signal contributed to my intersection accident?

Yes, but you must act fast. Claims against New York City require a Notice of Claim filed within 90 days of the accident. The NYC Department of Transportation is responsible for maintaining traffic signals, crosswalk markings, and intersection design citywide. If a signal malfunction or dangerous road condition contributed to your crash, the City can be a defendant alongside the at-fault driver.

What if the driver who hit me at the intersection was driving for Uber, Lyft, or a delivery company?

Rideshare and delivery driver crashes involve multiple layers of insurance coverage depending on the driver's status at the time of the crash. Uber and Lyft carry commercial liability policies of up to $1 million per occurrence when a driver is actively transporting a passenger. Amazon, DoorDash, and other delivery platforms have their own coverage structures. Our attorneys identify all available insurance layers and pursue the maximum recovery.

Can a pedestrian who was jaywalking still recover compensation after an intersection accident?

Yes. Under New York's pure comparative negligence law, even a jaywalking pedestrian can recover compensation — reduced by the pedestrian's percentage of fault. Drivers owe a duty of due care to all road users under VTL § 1146, regardless of whether a pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk or crossing mid-block.

How do I preserve traffic camera footage before it's overwritten?

Traffic camera and surveillance footage is typically overwritten within 24 to 72 hours of the crash. Your attorney can send a legal preservation letter — sometimes called a spoliation letter — to the NYC DOT, the NYPD, and nearby businesses demanding that footage be kept. This must happen quickly. Call us the same day as your accident and we'll start the preservation process immediately.

How long does an intersection accident case take to resolve in Queens?

Straightforward claims with clear liability and documented injuries sometimes resolve within six to 12 months. Cases with contested liability, severe injuries, or government defendants often take 18 months to three years if litigation is required. Queens County Supreme Court cases are filed at 88-11 Sutphin Blvd, Jamaica. Our attorneys keep you informed throughout.

Contact a Queens Intersection Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one was injured at a Queens intersection — whether on Northern Boulevard, Queens Boulevard, Roosevelt Avenue, or any street in Jamaica, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Flushing, or South Queens — don't face the insurance companies alone.

The Orlow Firm has protected injured Queens residents for over 40 years. Adam Moses Orlow, former President of the Queens County Bar Association (2022-2023), and Steven S. Orlow, founder of the firm and Cornell Law graduate with former service as Queens County Counsel and NYC Council Member-At-Large, handle cases directly — not junior associates.

Call (646) 647-3398 for a free consultation. We work on contingency — you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Se Habla Español | Queens office: 71-18 Main Street, Flushing | We can come to you

Sources & Official Resources

New York Laws Cited

1. VTL § 1140 — Vehicle Approaching or Entering Intersection
2. VTL § 1141 — Vehicle Turning Left
3. VTL § 1111 — Traffic-Control Signal Indications
4. VTL § 1111-a — Owner Liability; Photo Violation-Monitoring Devices (600-intersection cap)
5. VTL § 1146 — Drivers to Exercise Due Care
6. CPLR § 1411 — Comparative Fault
7. CPLR § 214 — Statute of Limitations — Three Years
8. Insurance Law § 5102 — Definitions; Serious Injury Threshold
9. General Municipal Law § 50-e — Notice of Claim

Statistics Sources

10. NYC Open Data — Motor Vehicle Collisions: Crashes Dataset

Helpful Resources

11. NYC Department of Transportation — Vision Zero
12. NYC Vision Zero View — Interactive Crash Map

Data Methodology Borough and neighborhood breakdowns were calculated by The Orlow Firm's research team from publicly available NYC Open Data records. Motor Vehicle Collisions – Crashes (NYPD, 2019–2025) data is published at the individual crash level. We aggregated these records by borough, zip code, street name, and contributing factor to produce the Queens-specific statistics cited above, as city agencies do not publish pre-calculated borough-level breakdowns for all metrics.