Watch Out! Cooped-Up New Yorkers Head for the Hills… Er, Hamptons?

New Yorkers have been cooped up for too long and nowhere is that more apparent than the spike recently seen in vacations rentals in the Hamptons. Many landlords have reported a spike in rentals over previous years and even rentals that cover the entirety of the summer, rather than a week here or there.

It’s easy to understand why New Yorkers love the Hamptons. This collection of hamlets, villages, and towns on Long Island have attracted city visitors since the early 20^th Century with its oceanside locales, historic charm, and the easy distance from New York City.

If you’re one of the New Yorkers getting out and going to the Hamptons this summer, though, you may want to think about your safety in getting there. With so many people flocking to the Hamptons, there may be an increase in car accidents along the way.

Most Car Accidents Boil Down to One Thing: Human Error

Car accidents are quite common in the United States and many boil down to one thing: human error. Most accidents are minor, but still many tens of thousands perish in car accidents each year. That’s why driving safely and following traffic laws is of the utmost importance.

The most common human errors in driving? Distracted and drunk driving, breaking the speed limit, poor decisions in bad weather conditions, to name a few…

Distracted Driving

If it’s been a while since you’ve been behind the wheel of a car, as is the case with many New Yorkers, then don’t forget to keep your eyes on the road. Many accidents are caused by drivers becoming distracted and taking their attention off the road. Put your phone away for the drive or operate it in hands-free mode.

Drunk Driving

Driving after drinking alcohol is yet another common cause of car accidents. If you plan on drinking, make sure you have alternative transportation lined up to get where you need to go or make plans for a designated driver beforehand.

Breaking the Speed Limit

Car accidents are also caused by speeding. Ignoring speed limits causes the car to go faster, reducing the time you have to react if something goes wrong.

Bad Weather Conditions

Rain, fog, and wind can all have an impact on the safety of driving your car on the road, especially for inexperienced drivers that don’t get behind the wheel very often.

How Car Accident Liability Works for New Yorkers

New York is a no-fault state in terms of car insurance. This means that when a car accident occurs, you must file a claim with your own insurance company in order to get compensation for any financial losses or medical bills.

Even if the accident was not your fault, you have to file with your carrier first. Car insurance in New York must at least cover:

• Medical treatment (ER costs, doctor’s bills, psychiatric treatment, physical therapy, etc.)
• Lost wages up to $2,000 per month for up to three years
• Additional expenses up to $25 per day for up to one year

When It Makes Sense to File Suit Against Another Driver

While New York is a no-fault state, that doesn’t mean you can’t sue another driver if you’re injured in an accident. You have the right to file a lawsuit if:

• You sustained a serious injury
• You have medical bills that exceed $50,000
• The other driver engaged in criminal behavior that caused the accident
• You need to recover costs of property damage, such as repairs to your car

In New York state, there is a three-year statute of limitations on a car accident case. That’s why you shouldn’t wait if you want to pursue a case and understand what needs to be done if you’re involved in a car accident.